A Yorkshire fire service has spoken out about the flood of anti-gay abuse firefighters received for speaking out for LGBT+ inclusion.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue revealed that it had received "a load of abuse when we added the rainbow flag to our profile picture" to show solidarity during LGBT+ History Month last February.
It responded on Wednesday by launching a video for LGBT+ History Month starring several firefighters reading out the messages the force had received.
South Yorkshire fire service: Fire doesn't discriminate and neither do we.
"Constantly going on about who wants to shag who shouldn't be a fire service priority," one person complained. Another moaned: "It becomes political correctness when they post a pointless rainbow picture."
The force responded: "We don't think homophobic abuse is acceptable and we stand with all those LGBT+ people we serve and employ.
"We celebrate LGBT+ pride in solidarity with all those we serve. Fires don't discriminate, neither do we."
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South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue called out homophobic responses to its rainbow banner in glorious style[/caption]
People are thrilled with the firefighters for standing up against bigotry
The video has been well received online, with a flood of support for the fire service.
One respondent wrote: "The world would be a boring place if we were all the same.? Keep up the great work you all do keeping us safe.?️?"
Another added: "Great job for showing that it's not 'Political-correctness-gone-mad' - just basic courtesy and respect for others. That's all.
"Well done for holding your ground and staying true to your values."
One response said: "Courage facing fires, and courage facing bullies. You are truly leading by example, bravo!!! ❤️"
Of course, the video attracted some critics.
However, the force hit back: "The video has absolutely no impact on our day-to-day work – if people need us, we will still be there, and the show still goes on when it comes to our prevention work."
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