NBC4 reports today on an investigation launched by the D.C. Fire Department after an allegedly insensitive letter was read aloud at the Engine 30 firehouse in Northeast. According to the report, the letter, read by the station’s lieutenant, was supposed to be a humorous attempt at introducing a new crew member. Instead, the letter included what was seen as potentially disparaging remarks, implying he’s gay.

The lieutenant was asked more than once to stop reading the letter, and it isn’t known who wrote it. NBC4 included the following excerpt in its report:

Boy George is his favorite singer. He’s originally from Calvert County, but looking for a one-room, two-person apartment in the Dupont Circle area.

Officials did not reveal who specifically the letter referred to, or whether or not the subject is indeed gay. Being a fan of Boy George or wanting to live in Dupont Circle, considered D.C.’s LGBT neighborhood, doesn’t necessarily mean that one is gay of course, but can imply it.

Rick Rosendall of the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance said, “This is another illustration of the need for diversity training for everyone at Fire/EMS. Unfortunately, the humor is lost on gay people and transgender people who have experienced discrimination and harassment from the department.”

Photo by Ohad