12 Jul PrideVMC Acts to Support Transgender, Non-binary and Gender Nonconforming Individuals in the Veterinary Profession

The Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC) has announced two actions to support transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals in the veterinary profession.

First, the PrideVMC diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) working group has published a gender identity bill of rights as part of a focused effort to address inequality and inequity in veterinary spaces.  In its news release, PrideVMC stated “The gender diverse community, specifically transgender women of color, have been leaders of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. The gender diverse community has continued to be in the national spotlight for the last decade, targeted with restroom bills, medical access bills and identity legislation highlighting the need for continued activism and allyship.  Although the Bostock v. Clayton County ruling in the Supreme Court was passed to protect civil rights in employment, there have also been over 100 anti-trans bills, including medical conscience bills, which threaten access to gender affirming care and continue to perpetuate discrimination and bigotry. PrideVMC acknowledges the importance of clear and unequivocal commitment to equality, equity, and the human rights of the transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals of our diverse LGBTQ+ family in a time where the acceptance of our brethren by the general public is uncommon.”

The document outlines immediate commitments to equal and fair treatment for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals across all of veterinary medicine. It currently lists twelve rights as the minimum standard needed to reduce harm and build equitable and safe spaces that respect the human rights of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals within the veterinary profession. PrideVMC indicates that the bill of rights is a living document and feedback is invited; to contribute contact GenderIdentity@pridevmc.org.

Second, PrideVMC is creating a Gender Diversity Guide that will expand in detail on each of the twelve points of the Bill of Rights, discuss currently accepted best practices for gender affirmation centered on community voices and expertise, and provide links to established resources with information regarding their strengths and limitations.  The guide is projected to be released in 2022.