PrideVMC Press Release
San Francisco, CA
November 10, 2022
PrideVMC Announces 2022 Leadership Award Winners
PrideVMC is excited to announce that for the first time in PrideVMC’s history there are TWO 2022 annual leadership award recipients – Dr. Dane Whitaker and Dr Ewan Wolff. This award recognizes individuals who actively support PrideVMC’s mission to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community and vision of an empowered LGBTQ+ veterinary community that is embraced by society as their authentic selves.
PrideVMC President Dr. Abby McElroy shares, “We received many nominations for talented and inspiring individuals that are working steadfast in support of LGBTQ+ people and their rights. While all the nominees are deserving of accolades the ultimate decision was clear. In gratitude for the energy, time, and work they have invested in bringing PrideVMC’s mission to life, both Dr. Dane Whitaker and Dr. Ewan Wolff are extremely deserving of this leadership award.”
Dr. Whitaker’s nomination comments include:
Dr. Dane Whitaker has a long history of advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and has positively impacted the expansion of PrideVMCs reach and funding. Dr. Whitaker displayed exemplary leadership through a very difficult time during the global pandemic. He continues his outreach through a myriad of in-person and virtual presentations with students, veterinary professionals and teams, and industry and association leaders.
Dr. Wolf’s nomination comments include:
Dr. Ewan Wolff deserves the 2022 Leadership Award in recognition of their work as one of the originators and co-chairs of the Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR). The GIBOR has required coordination of
writers, editors, and legal review and Dr. Wolff has put an incredible amount of work and time into the development of the Bill of Rights, education about the Bill of Rights, and obtaining signatories for the document. They continue to work on the GIBOR and launching in 2023, the accompanying Gender Diversity Guide. The Gender Identity Bill of Rights is an important document for veterinary medicine and the gender diverse community; it would not exist without the efforts of Dr. Wolff.
The awards were presented during the PrideVMC Q4 Town Hall on November 9, 2022. In 2023 PrideVMC will celebrate our 30th anniversary. We have come a long way and yet, have much more work to do! To learn more about the mission, vision, and strategic pillars of PrideVMC please visit PrideVMC.org.
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About PrideVMC
The mission of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC) is to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community. We do so by striving to foster acceptance and inclusivity for people of all sexual orientations, 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 or visit PrideVMC.org.
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