PrideVMC Press Release
San Francisco, CA
March 1, 2024
Anti-LGBTQ+ bill writing and national strategy is entrenched in 2024 as a result of the 2022 and 2023 state legislative and congressional sessions. The track record of successful bills passed into law has emboldened lawmakers to delve deeper into the potential of additional restrictions on queer existence. Already we have seen efforts to restrict gender affirming care for trans adults in Ohio, removal of access to appropriate gender markers on licenses in Florida, and group discussion by Ohio and Michigan representatives to eliminate trans rights entirely that echo calls for ‘eradication’ of trans people at CPAC 2023. Additionally, national primary debates were punctuated by a litany of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and plans. As of mid-February there were a staggering 429 active anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state legislatures with 2 laws already passed and one governor veto overridden.
We are living through a historic attempt to eliminate the gender-diverse community. It has become obvious that we must transition from strategies developed for a prior time. 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 it impacts all intersections of marginalized existence. This is exemplified in a variety of ways including recommended travel bans to keep people safe, the banning of books, and censored 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.”
Step 1: Vote
There will be no meaningful changes without LGBTQ+ voices being heard in these upcoming elections. With this in mind we encourage all people to register to vote, be aware of their polling station, and vote in the upcoming primaries and elections. This is an extremely important election year in which to have representation.
Step 2: Contact Your Representatives
If you are a constituent, your voice should be heard by your state legislators, congresspeople, senators and governors. Contact them with your concerns. An easy way of doing this is using resist bot to draft a letter.
Step 3: Educate
Educating ourselves on what the issues are and what is happening in our local communities is vital. 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, crisis funding, and moving across state lines.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Outreach
Visit ACLU’s bill tracker and MAP’s equality maps 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.
Step 6: Partner & Collaborate
The benefits of partnering are extensive including resource sharing and amplifying impact. Connect with veterinary medicine affinity organizations such as the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (MCVMA). Learn about their priorities and engage with their events. Specific organizations that we suggest you learn from and donate to also include the Human Rights Campaign, Transgender Law Center, and National Center for Transgender Equality.
In the spirit of partnership, we are grateful for our members and our year-round partners listed below 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, Simply Done Tech Solutions, VCA, VEG
Emerald Partners – Hound, MedVet, Petco, Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, The Social DVM, Western Veterinary Partners
Step 7: Create Contingency Plans
If it is within your capabilities and mental space to work on it, consider developing a contingency plan for 2025. At minimum, possessing a realID for domestic travel and a passport for international travel is a good idea, as is trying to save some limited funds for travel to safe areas. There are programs that will provide visas to skilled professionals in veterinary medicine if you do not feel safe currently. Some programs take time to process applications so some forethought is recommended. Allies can be particularly important in formulating and helping to implement these contingency plans.
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.
Dr. Mo Miller (they, them) PrideSVMC Advisor shares, “It’s time to act against the violence and rhetoric targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Livelihoods are under attack, homes are being uprooted, and lives are at risk. We can’t afford to stay silent any longer. We must unite as a community, support each other, and demand immediate action. I have faith in the strength and empathy of the veterinary community, including allies and LGBTQ+ members. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s raise our voices and stand up against injustice.”
In closing, Pride Student Veterinary Medical Community (PrideSVMC) President Sergio Acuna Gutierrez (he, him) shares, “It is in this time of crisis for the LGBTQ+ community that we see true allies emerge to fuel the resilience of our community. We need and value the active support of vocal, dedicated members and allies within the veterinary community fighting for the dismantling of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination that threatens the livelihood of friends, family, and equals simply for their existence. Working together as a united front, we can alter the course our country is taking towards one that will lead to the support and eventual celebration of our beautiful LGBTQ+ community.”
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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.
