A message from PrideVMC President Dr. Dane Whitaker.
Pic cred: OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images
As I sit to write this month’s member message, I am reflecting on the theme of gratitude. I had decided that this would be an appropriate theme for November when we celebrate being thankful and recognizing the sacrifices of our ancestors. I had also decided that no matter what the election outcome would be, I would still work to be grateful, mostly that I have been given the opportunity and the voice to speak out and fight for queer and trans rights in vet med and the world at large. With this morning’s announcement that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris would be our new leaders, my gratitude has become overwhelming! This election had so much at stake for so many of us for so many different reasons, however to me it felt very personal. I am sure you all have seen the memes of how a vote for the previous president is a personal attack on anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+. I know this to be true. It was so difficult to hear family members tell me how much they love me yet refused to talk about why they were voting for an administration that is so blatantly anti-LGBTQ+. It hurt.
The sense of relief that I feel as a trans person that my right to exist just might survive another day is overwhelming. I was asked just the other day by a veterinarian if “gay people are still discriminated against in this profession.” This was such a clear sign that we need to keep fighting, we need to keep spreading the word that for all of those who identify as LGBTQ+, there is a place for you in veterinary medicine.
I am so grateful that PrideVMC is here fighting for you. I am so grateful to double down on the commitment to embrace everyone, even those that voted against an administration that is clearly committed to compassion and treating each other with respect, no matter what our beliefs may be. Gratitude, yes, thank you to everyone that came out and voted and used your voice, and thank you for giving PrideVMC the opportunity to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community. Let’s do this!
The mission of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC) is to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community by striving to foster acceptance and inclusivity for people of all sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender presentations within the veterinary medical profession and community. We fight discrimination, build collaborative networks, and support LGBTQ+ veterinary students through mentorship and scholarship programs. PrideVMC membership is open to the entire animal health and veterinary community regardless of role, race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship status, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or military status. Allies are welcome!
For more information please contact info@pridevmc.org.
