A HAMPSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service station manager has set up a support network for sexual and gender identity.

Katie Cornhill launched the charity earlier this year with the aim of supporting all UK fire and rescue services to manage and lead inclusion and equality agendas.

She explains that Quiltbag's vision is "safer and healthier communities across the UK, where everyone recognises the Fire and Rescue Service brand as truly inclusive and enabling people to freely be themselves, without fear."

Katie has first hand experience of what it is not to be yourself.

Born into the wrong sex body, Katie lived as a man until she fully transitioned in March 2012.

But the 43-year-old is keen to emphasise that her journey started long before that.

"I've always been in transition," she says.

"My transition started the day I was conceived."

Katie says her experience of officially transitioning while working in the Fire and Rescue service was largely positive, although there were pockets of misunderstanding and outdated attitudes.

She has drawn on her own experience to help establish Quiltbag, which she is running voluntarily, separately from her work for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Fire and rescue services have a responsibility far beyond that which is prescribed by legislation," she says.

"We have an excellent opportunity to show everyone that we truly live and believe in our core values and it is this which will help us to achieve safer and healthier communities for everyone."

Katie says that Hampshire, Kent, East Sussed and Manchester fire and rescue services have been particularly supportive.

Quiltbag offer a range of courses to support organisations become more inclusive workplaces as well as guidance documents.

"The language in the guide is for the fire and rescue services, but it can be used by any public services organisation," says Katie.

"We want to make it clear that Quiltbag and the fire and rescue service is inclusive for everyone, regardless of their sexual or gender identity."

For more information, visit quiltbagfire.co.uk