PrideVMC Press Release – ALARM TO ACTION

San Francisco, CA

May 11, 2023

It is critical to view the facts of 2023 in stark clarity. What started as a wave of cumulative anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in the last several years has transitioned into a mounting and coordinated national legislative attack on our community. The reasons for this assault and the intentions of those who support it no longer have relevance in our conversation about what to do next.  What has become obvious is that we must transition from strategies developed for a prior time.  We are living through a historic attempt to eliminate the gender-diverse community. We understand the fear, hopelessness, and terror that many are feeling right now. We also hold no illusion that this hateful strategy will limit itself to just one portion of our community, as is exemplified by the banning of books and education. This is a new era in a struggle that has spanned all recorded human history. 

PrideVMC invites all individuals and workplaces in the veterinary profession to join us on a journey of leveraging alarm into action.  According to PrideVMC President Dr. Abby McElroy (she, hers), “This urgent request is especially important for allies of the LGBTQ+ community as we need your help and support. And remember, there is no such thing as a passive ally!”

Dr. Ewan Wolff (they, them), PrideVMC Industry Liaison shares, “The broad support that the Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR) has received has helped to make the veterinary profession a much more safe and inclusive place for gender diverse veterinary healthcare providers, staff, and students.  The challenges that we are facing collectively to the ongoing existence of the gender-diverse community are different from those faced in the last 3/4 of a century.  We appreciate those industry partners who have already reached out about the current situation and look forward to substantive conversations about supporting the community. It will take historic efforts on many fronts to provide the support that is needed.”

Educate

Educating ourselves on what the issues are and what is happening in our local communities.  This is an ongoing process with new information being released daily. Additional educational priorities include reading and signing your support to the Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR), reading and amplifying the Gender Diversity Guide, identifying a champion in your workplace to facilitate discussions of the Journey for Teams modules, and participating in a variety of relevant educational events. Ask your workplaces what protections are in place for gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ healthcare, and what they are doing to help people stay safe through options, transfers, and moving across state lines. 

Create Safe, Brave Spaces

Involve all team members in creating inclusive, welcoming workplaces so that everyone is safe and knows that they belong. Consider safety when choosing meeting locations and offer virtual options for those that may not be safe in places where meetings are held. Consider the safety of gender-diverse members of your organization in areas of heightened aggression and violence. Do not provide information on sex assigned at birth of a member of your organization as it may be used to prosecute individuals under anti-gender expression laws. Be aware that drag bans are being worded to prevent certain forms of gender expression that have nothing to do with drag. Be ready to provide gender-neutral bathrooms in areas where gender-diverse people are banned from being in bathrooms. Research medical providers for your staff to ensure that they can go to a facility that will not deny emergency care on the basis of medical conscience. Be prepared to address anti-LGBTQ+ macro aggression (not micro) in your organizational spaces. 

Outreach

Visit ACLU’s bill tracker to learn about bills introduced or passed in your state. Email or call your state and national congressional representatives to urge them to oppose the bills.  Become active in your local LGBTQ+ association and participate in local Pride activities! Support LGBTQ+ refugees as they arrive in your community. Consider hosting LGBTQ+ refugees who are traveling through your area.  Ask your organization to consider extending emergency fund grants to LGBTQ+ individuals directly impacted by this crisis. 

Partner & Collaborate

The benefits of partnering are extensive including resource sharing and amplifying impact. Connect with  veterinary medicine affinity organizations, learn about their priorities, and engage with their events. In the spirit of partnership, we are grateful for our members and our year-round partners whose support fuels our mission of creating a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community.

Diamond Partners – Boehringer Ingelheim, Zoetis

Gold Partners – Banfield, BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, Covetrus, Ethos Veterinary Health, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health, NVA, Nationwide Pet Insurance, VCA, VEG

Silver Partner – Simply Done Tech Solutions

Emerald Partners – MedVet, Petco, Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, Relief Rover, The Social DVM

We are a relatively small organization and we do not possess infinite funds and reach. We cannot turn back this tide alone and we know there will be very difficult times ahead for many. Frustratingly, there are many things that we want to do that we cannot do.  What we can do, however, is to work together to help as many people as possible within the field of veterinary medicine who dedicate their lives and energy to animal health.  

In closing, Pride Student Veterinary Medical Community (PrideSVMC) President Javier Funes (he, him) shares, “None of us planned for or asked for this to be the time that we live in. We always planned on being here for each other as a community though, and we will make sure that we are here to support the LGBTQ+ veterinary community. We need your help. The LGBTQ+ community is strong and brave. We have held fast before, and we will do it again. Take care of each other, be safe, and thank you for the devotion that you bring to the veterinary profession every day.” 

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About PrideVMC

The mission of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC), formed in 1993 as the LGVMA, is to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community. We do so by striving to foster acceptance, inclusivity, and belonging 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 and visit PrideVMC.org.

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