Those of you passing Largs RNLI today might have noticed today we are flying a different flag - we have swapped our station’s RNLI flag for the Progress Pride Flag in honour of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
This version of the Pride Flag has colours to represent both trans people and LGBTQA+ people of colour in addition to the six rainbow stripes. The Progress Flag - with the arrows to represent inclusion and progression - is a great way to indicate pride for multiple identities.
This year the theme for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is; ‘Together always: united in diversity’.
Within the RNLI community we are proud of our diversity, believing in equality for all. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, belief systems and genders. United by our goal to save every one.
Our flag was raised by Kerryann Logan, volunteer crew member at Largs RNLI, who explained: ‘Being part of the RNLI community is like being part of a large supportive family. We embrace each others differences, finding this diversity allows us to bring our different experiences and backgrounds to a situation.
‘When the lifeboat launches we need to rely not only on our training but also on each other. Here at Largs RNLI our volunteer crew work hard to ensure everyone feels safe and empowered to perform our roles to the best of our abilities.
On the water, it doesn’t matter about our personal beliefs or sexual orientation. What is important is that we are all part of a big family, the RNLI family, with the shared moral within our hearts to continue Saving Lives at Sea.’
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
