LAFD - Introductory Letter, Paul Waters, Los Angeles / Valley Pride <<<The following appears in the LA/Valley Pride pre-event program>>> September, 2006 Welcome to LA/Valley Pride: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Awareness Festival! On behalf of the organizing committee, as well as the many, many people who have labored hard and long to bring you this celebration, thank you for being part of what promises to be a landmark event — not only in the San Fernando Valley and the City of Los Angeles — but with ramifications expected to be felt from coast to coast. Returning again to its new home — the backlot of CBS Studio Center — with new this year, the enthusiastic participation of the Los Angeles City Fire Department in the day’s festivities. This is Los Angeles — where it’s such a non-issue to have someone openly gay sitting on the City Council, that it hardly warrants a mention — where its become so common for gay men and lesbians to be out on the job in the Los Angeles Police Department, that they’re out from day one during their eight months of training at the Police Academy. But unfortunately, there remains one place within the City family where this nonchalant mindset toward sexual orientation has yet to take root. Specifically, the Los Angeles City Fire Department, where no gay men, and precious few lesbians feel comfortable being out on the job. But this is about to change — and change in a big, big way — as exemplified by the extraordinary letter from Chief Bamattre and Commissioner Sotelo, and equally extraordinary letters from the LAFD employee organizations, all of which appear in this publication. This is historic, and historic in many ways. None the least of which is that this is the very first time that not only the command staff, but the rank-and-file firefighters of this upwards of 4,000 employee City Department, have spoken to the GLBT community — taking this opportunity to do far more than just say, “Hope you have a good time.” Rather, their words articulate a high-minded ideal, speaking to all of us to work toward being the very best that we can be. To quote the Commissioner and the Chief, “Improving the quality of life for everyone is a common goal, and shared responsibility of the greater Los Angeles Community.” And they’re right. To quote the employee organizations, “Through mutual understanding comes mutual respect.” Yes, yes indeed. So come to Los Angeles / Valley Pride to spend time with the men and women of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Wish them well on their upcoming many-year journey, and encourage them to stay true to the path. This is but a first step — with many more to be taken before “I’m gay” has as much significance in the City’s 100-plus firehouses as “I have blue eyes.” But it’s a very good step, and one well worthy of both your acknowledgement and support. See you on the backlot! In Pride, Paul Waters
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