Die Leutnantin Juliette Arroyo ist eine echte New Yorkerin.
Obwohl ihre Familie ursprünglich aus Puerto Rico stammt, wuchs Arroyo in der Südbronx auf. In diesem harten Viertel arbeitete Arroyos Mutter daran, ein sicheres Leben für sie zu schaffen. Nach dem 11. September störte Arroyo die Höhe des Verlustes, den die Stadt erlitten hatte. Sie hörte Geschichten über die Auswirkungen des Angriffs auf die Feuerwehr und wollte etwas Großes tunundefined, um ihrer Stadt und ihren Nachbarn zu helfen.
„Nichts ist größer als das FDNY“, sagt sie. „Also hier bin ich: Lieutenant, Executive Officer des Chief of EMS.“
Heute lebt sie mit ihrer Freundin in College Point, Queens. Wir haben uns kürzlich mit Lieutenant Arroyo unterhalten, um das Leben als ehemaliges und stolzes LGBTQ+ Mitglied der FDNY, ihre Vorfreude auf WorldPride im nächsten Sommer und ihr Leben in NYC heute zu besprechen.
Photo: Jen Davis
What was your experience coming out to your colleagues at FDNY?
What was your experience coming out to your colleagues at FDNY? :
Juliette Arroyo:
The good thing about my personal experience is that I was already out to family and friends. So being my true self and open about my lifestyle at work was really effortless. I’ve always been comfortable telling people that I’m gay. If my sexuality makes someone else uncomfortable, I believe it says more about them than it does about me.
What advice do you have for young, queer women of color aspiring to be a part of the FDNY?
What advice do you have for young, queer women of color aspiring to be a part of the FDNY?:
JA:
The FDNY is an incredible institution. Join us! This current administration has promoted more women to top administrative positions than in the entire history of the New York City Fire Department. Right now we have the FDNY’s first female two-star chief, an openly gay two-star female chief who heads up our EMS Academy and our first openly gay female chaplain.
Lately, there’s been a focus on increasing women and minorities in the FDNY. How do you feel women and minorities are currently represented in your field and how would you like to see it evolve?
Lately, there’s been a focus on increasing women and minorities in the FDNY. How do you feel women and minorities are currently represented in your field and how would you like to see it evolve?:
JA:
In November 2017, Tonya Boyd became the first black female deputy chief in the FDNY’s 150-year history. That’s an empowering message to send to minority girls everywhere—that someone who looks just like them is being recognized and rewarded for their accomplishments and hard work. These days, the department is overflowing with strong, intelligent, capable women.
Last year, Brooke Guinan, NYC’s first transgender firefighter, was named one of the Grand Marshals for the Pride March. What does it mean to see your profession and your city embracing the LGBTQ+ community?
Last year, Brooke Guinan, NYC’s first transgender firefighter, was named one of the Grand Marshals for the Pride March. What does it mean to see your profession and your city embracing the LGBTQ+ community?:
JA:
I’m not surprised by the support Brooke has received from the FDNY. The goal of the FDNY is to treat everyone with dignity and respect and, of course, that philosophy applies to our LGBTQ+ members, and that makes me feel very proud.
What are some of your favorite places in NYC?
What are some of your favorite places in NYC? :
JA:
I was born during the Stonewall riots in 1969, so it’s no wonder that I just love
. It’s a great place!
is another one of my all-time favorites.
In addition to being a lieutenant, you’ve also competed in female figure modeling. How did you discover a passion for that?
In addition to being a lieutenant, you’ve also competed in female figure modeling. How did you discover a passion for that?:
JA:
A friend of mine competed, and I had never seen anything like it. I was curious about the training required, the diet and the lifestyle. I thought to myself, I can do that! Then she dared me to do it. I had a great coach who happened to be a retired FDNY paramedic. He trained me, taught me how to eat right and pushed me beyond my limits. I worked hard for it and came in first place at my first figure competition.
You represented NYC in Madrid during WorldPride 2017. What are you looking forward to the most for WorldPride 2019 in New York City next summer?
You represented NYC in Madrid during WorldPride 2017. What are you looking forward to the most for WorldPride 2019 in New York City next summer?:
JA:
I’m really excited about the opening ceremony. I can’t wait for New Yorkers to experience gay pride at a magnitude that they could never have imagined. This is big and, having experienced it in Madrid, I know that New Yorkers will absolutely love it.
Any tips for anyone coming to WorldPride in NYC?
Any tips for anyone coming to WorldPride in NYC?:
JA:
Coming to NYC for the first time can be intimidating. But New Yorkers are the greatest people you’ll ever meet and, when you throw LGBTQ+ New Yorkers into the mix, you can be absolutely sure you’re in for the time of your life. New York City is preparing for this event and all of our city agencies are working tirelessly to make WorldPride a safe and memorable experience. It’s going to be amazing!
