By: Guest Contributor – Chief Trevor Pentewyn
In the Fire Department of Hathian, we learn quickly that family isn’t always about blood.
Our chosen family becomes the people we trust in our worst moments. In our case, our family is the ones we run into burning buildings with, up to our elbows in the blood of those we save with, eat with, laugh with, argue with, cry with and lean on after a traumatic or difficult call.
I speak from personal experience when I say that for many LGBTQ+ chosen families can be a lifeline. At 18, I was pushed from my family home, and my relationship with my parents never recovered, but over time, I have been able to build something better. I now live a life where I can be open, proud and supported at FDH and within my own home.
That’s the kind of fire department we are.
FDH does not care who you love. We care about work ethic, showing up, compassion, bravery and commitment to saving the lives of all the citizens of Hathian. This Pride Month we honour queer families of Hathian, whether they are a chosen of biological and the for the strength and liberation that you bring to us all.
Whether you are LGBTQ+ or not, out and proud or not or still figuring it all out, know that there is room for you here at FDH.
From our FDH family to yours, Happy Pride.
-Chief Trevor Pentewyn
(Pictured L to R in our header image: Corbin LaSalle, Probie Quinn Caruso, Firefighter Max Reyden, Firefighter Malachi Nickles, Firefighter Sutton Argent, Chief Trevor Pentewyn, Firefighter Eleri Goldstein, Firefighter Ransom Pruitt, Firefighter Cheyenne Jones, Paramedic Spurs Seattle, Paramedic Noah Birdie)
You can read the previous PRIDE article from the FDH: here.
