Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

TFS Pride Month Feature: Ryan Lawless, He/Him

The Fire Station celebrates Pride Month and features Ryan Lawless He/Him, budtender at TFS Sault Ste. Marie

Fire Fam, Meet Ryan! 🏳️‍🌈

Ryan Lawless has been employed as a Budtender at The Fire Station in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan for the last year. Recently he came out as a transgender man and started his medical transition on January 1, 2023. Some of his hobbies include video games, reading, crochet, spending time outdoors, and spending time with his cats.

In this article, we get to know more about Ryan, including what his biggest challenge has been so far as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, what the best thing that cannabis consumers can do to support LGBTQIA+, and more!

What challenges have you faced as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?

“The biggest challenge that I have faced so far as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community was coming out to my family and beginning to live full time as a man. Coming out to my friends and family was a slow and scary process, but I am very grateful to be surrounded by people that accept me for who I am.
 
I’d say a challenge that I still face is continuing to come out to people I don’t see as regularly, like old acquaintances for example. People still recognize me and will call me by my old name, which is understandable if they don’t know anything has changed! It’s still jarring when it happens, and it’s a little scary correcting people, especially if I am unsure how they’ll respond to it. 
 
Despite these challenges, and others, I have zero regrets about the changes I’ve made to my life. I feel better and more mentally healthy as each day passes; I’m grateful for the opportunity to improve my quality of life.”

In your opinion, what are some ways for cannabis consumers to support the LGBTQIA+ community?

“In my opinion, the best thing that people — not just cannabis consumers — can do to support the LGBTQIA+ community is to be open to learning. There are lots of misconceptions about every label under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, but trans issues hit closest to home for me, of course.

Please, if you genuinely want to be supportive, take the time to learn from people in the trans community. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions to someone directly, there are so many resources online about what happens when someone transitions, why someone would want to, and what life looks like during and after transitioning. A good place to start would be transequality.org, the website for the National Center for Transgender Equality.”

How can we all collectively work toward a more inclusive space for everyone?

“We can work to make spaces more inclusive by respecting people’s chosen names and pronouns, especially in an industry like ours where we have to see people’s legal names every time they come in. It only takes a second to make a note on a customer profile that they use a different name, but that extra bit of effort can go a long way toward making people feel welcome!”

What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion at TFS?

“I think diversity and inclusion at TFS has been great so far. This is the first job I’ve had that I’ve used my new name, and from the very start everyone has been respectful of using the correct name and pronouns. I appreciate that our company is asking to hear about our experiences being in the LGBTQIA+ community as a way to celebrate pride.”

The Fire Station Cannabis Company celebrates Pride Month.

Working daily to create a safe, welcoming atmostphere for all

Pride month is a time for individuals and organizations to celebrate and recognize the LGBTQIA+ community. While The Fire Station works every day to create a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all customers and staff, we see Pride Month as an opportunity to especially highlight our support for this community.

Here are some ways that TFS is supporting and celebrating Pride Month:

  • Pride-themed visuals and decor
  • Partnership with LGBTQ+ organizations and events
  • Inclusive language and staff training

You might also be interested in...

Stay up-to-date with The Fire Station

Sign up for official communications from TFS and get updates on our promotions, events and other content tailored to you.

fire station michigan dispensary logo


Access denied

Sorry, you are not allowed to enter this site.

Please come back when you are 21+ years old (or 18+ with a valid medical marijuana card). 

fire station michigan dispensary logo


TFS Communications

We've got deals for you.

Want to be in on the latest cannabis deals and special offers? Sign up and be the first to know.

 

 

By providing your email address, you consent to receive messages about special offers and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

fire station michigan dispensary logo


age verification

Are you old enough?

You must be 21+ years old (or 18+ with a valid medical marijuana card) to enter this site. 


Follow us on Instagram @906fire

906-273-1211

In-Store and Curbside Pick Up Only! **CASH ONLY**

OPEN 364 DAYS A YEAR – CLOSED CHRISTMAS

Recreational Only – Must be 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID

*MED DISCOUNT ON RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS*

All valid Medical Marihuana cardholders get 10% OFF Recreational products – must show valid Medical Marihuana card & valid ID. Cannot be combined with any other discounts.

*SENIORS (65+)

Get 10% OFF – Must show ID. Cannot be combined with any other discounts.

*VETERANS*

Get 10% OFF – Must show ID. Cannot be combined with any other discounts.

PARKING

-Please be respectful of our neighbors and do not park in their lots.

-Walk-in customers can park in the dirt lot behind Northern Hydroponics if there is space. Otherwise, please use the metered downtown street parking or other legal parking options including the downtown parking lots.

CURBSIDE PICK UP

-Please have the appropriate amount of cash and a government-issued photo ID ready when you arrive. The 4 parking space behind our building will be designated for those who wish to order curbside, but have not yet placed an order. Our alleyway is reserved for those who have already placed a curbside pick up order. Please note that we are only able to fit 2-3 vehicles in this space. When exiting the alleyway you will only be able to turn right.