Pride Month offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity, not only in our personal lives but also in professional spaces such as the veterinary profession. We are not experts on the subject, but we are committed to being intentional with our actions to provide an inclusive space. By being intentional and purposeful in our actions, we can create an environment that celebrates diversity, supports LGBTQ+ individuals, and promotes compassionate care for all. Explore practical ways veterinary professionals can be intentional during Pride Month and throughout the year, fostering an inclusive and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ colleagues, clients, and their beloved animal companions.
Education and Awareness
Being intentional starts with educating ourselves about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and issues that affect the community. Take the time to learn about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, both within and outside the veterinary profession. By understanding the unique experiences and concerns they may have, we can provide a more empathetic and supportive environment. We recently shared our partnership with AVMA on a profession-wide program, dedicated to enhancing diversity in the veterinary space. You can start your education and awareness journey to make an actionable impact with the Journey for Teams program.
Open Communication and Safe Spaces
Create open channels of communication within your veterinary practice. Encourage colleagues and staff members to share their pronouns and use inclusive language when interacting with clients and coworkers. Designate safe spaces, such as bulletin boards or office areas, where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can share resources, support networks, and educational materials.
LGBTQ+ Sensitivity Training
Consider implementing LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for all staff members. This training can cover topics such as respectful language usage, cultural competency, and understanding LGBTQ+ health disparities. By equipping veterinary professionals with this knowledge, we can ensure a more inclusive and compassionate approach to patient care. Organizations like Pride VMC regularly host educational forums and training to advance inclusivity in veterinary medicine. Tune into their upcoming events in June, Well-being and the LGBTQ+ Veterinary Community: A Solution-Oriented Panel Discussion and more on their events calendar.
Visible Displays of Support
Demonstrate your support for the LGBTQ+ community by visibly displaying symbols of inclusion, such as Pride flags or stickers, within your practice. This sends a powerful message of acceptance and creates a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ clients and staff members.
Images from Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group and West Loop Veterinary Care
Community Engagement and Collaboration
Engage with local LGBTQ+ organizations and community initiatives. Collaborate on educational events, volunteer opportunities, or fundraising campaigns. By actively participating in Pride Month activities and LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts, you can show your dedication to inclusivity and forge connections within the broader community. For the teams in the Suveto Network, you can directly make an impact LGBTQ+ organizations and community initiatives by utilizing your VTO day benefits.
Regular Evaluation and Improvement
Being intentional requires ongoing evaluation and improvement. Regularly assess your practice policies, language usage, and patient care protocols to identify areas for growth and change. Seek feedback from LGBTQ+ colleagues, clients, and staff members to better understand their experiences and perspectives. Make adjustments based on this feedback to continuously create a more inclusive and supportive veterinary environment.
Being intentional during Pride Month and beyond is an essential step toward creating a veterinary profession that values diversity and embraces inclusivity. By educating ourselves, fostering open communication, implementing sensitivity training, displaying visible symbols of support, engaging with the LGBTQ+ community, and constantly evaluating and improving our practices, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels respected and welcomed. Let us celebrate Pride Month by committing to intentional actions that make a positive impact in the veterinary profession and beyond.
