A321 Flight Attendant reported a fumes event during pre-flight which resulting in an extensive delay and ultimately cancelled flight. Flight attendants and the Captain experienced physiological symptoms from the fumes.

Narrative

Aircraft X involved in a fume event on Date. Crew needed medical attention. Aircraft was scheduled on Flight ABCA; which was suppose to depart ZZZ at XA:00. I was scheduled to work this flight. There was a creeping delay and we were scheduled to depart at XE:00. Flight attendants got on aircraft. We immediately smelled a strong rubber and burning fuel type odor. We advised the pilots; who also smelled it. The mechanics had the logbook and were working on an avionics issue. Captain said when he got the logbook back he would write the smell up. Flight attendants got off the aircraft and waited in the terminal. Captain called us to tell us that he was feeling light headed. A manager said there was no problem with the plane and we needed to come back on and see if we still smelled the smell. We were forced back onto the plane and forced to smell the toxic fumes. We all agreed that we smelled the odor; and walked off; as to not expose ourselves any further. The mechanics agreed there was an odor and they would not be able to fix it. Company refused to pull the aircraft out of service; and posted delays on this flight for the next 4 hours. The flight was finally canceled when the Captain went illegal.Flight attendants should have never been forced back on an airplane to verify there was still a toxic smell. Our Captain should have been removed from trip the second he declared he felt light headed. This was all completely unsafe.