Supporting LGBTQIA+ Professionals in Vet Med

June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals, recognize their resilience, and reflect on how we can foster true inclusion in veterinary medicine.

While our profession includes a significant number of LGBTQIA+ professionals, many still encounter discrimination, microaggressions, and mental health challenges at work. In fact, research show that LGBTQIA+ vets and students experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts and feelings of exclusion compared to their heterosexual, cisgender peers.

That’s why Pride in vet med is more than parades and rainbows—it’s a powerful reminder that belonging matters. And that allyship is essential.

So what does real allyship look like in practice?

• It’s sharing your pronouns to normalize inclusive language.
• It’s updating your forms and communication to avoid assumptions about gender or relationships.
• It’s speaking up when someone is misgendered or dismissed.
• It’s doing the personal work to learn and grow—so LGBTQIA+ colleagues don’t have to do all the educating.

There’s no one “right” way to be an ally. In fact, there are many. You might be a Sponsor who opens doors, an Upstander who intervenes, or a Scholar who quietly commits to learning. What matters most is consistency and care.

Key Takeaways This Month:

✅ LGBTQIA+ professionals face unique mental health risks that must be acknowledged and addressed.

✅ Inclusive language and visible allyship create safer, more affirming workplaces.

✅ There are many ways to show up as an ally—publicly, privately, loudly, or quietly.

✅ A single thoughtful action—like revising client intake forms or displaying pronouns—can make a meaningful difference.

This month’s newsletter includes a podcast episode all about LGBTQIA+ allyship in vet med and a downloadable "How to Be an Ally in Veterinary Medicine" handout for your team. I also recommend supporting organizations like PrideVMC and checking out the AVMA Journey for Teams modules. 

Together, we can create a profession where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Warmly,

Marie Holowaychuk,

DVM, DACVECC Founder, Reviving Veterinary Medicine

Podcast

Why Allyship Matters in Veterinary Medicine

Allyship doesn’t always have to be loud to make a powerful impact. In our latest podcast, our founder Dr. Marie Holowaychuk explores the mental health disparities faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in our profession, the 7 types of allies, and actionable ways you can show up for your colleagues with authenticity and courage. Whether you’re new to allyship or looking to deepen your understanding, tune in for a compassionate and informative guide to advocating for equity and belonging in veterinary spaces.

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BLOG

Celebrating Pride Month in Support of LGBTQIA+ Veterinary Professionals

Why does Pride matter in veterinary medicine? Beyond statistics, creating a truly safe and inclusive workplace is crucial for every professional to thrive; regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Pride Month is a vital time to reflect on inclusivity in veterinary medicine. Read our blog to discover tangible ways to foster belonging and support your LGBTQIA+ colleagues.

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RESOURCE

How to Be An Ally

Did you know some of the most disruptive symptoms during menopause and perimenopause are psychological? Our latest webinar with Dr. Liz Barton is an informative discussion on how menopause and perimenopause impact mental health – and why this decade (or more) of transition deserves far more attention than it gets. Explore the complex intersection between hormones, mental wellbeing, relationships, and workplace dynamics, and learn how we can better support ourselves and the women around us.

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Reviving Veterinary Medicine

Reviving Veterinary Medicine is growing, in no small thanks to your support! 🫶 Recently, we have launched announcements about our new coaches and coaching services. Follow us on social media to stay informed about our latest offerings, upcoming events, workshop replays, and wellbeing tips, so you can continue to champion wellbeing in your workplace and beyond.

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