2021 Lesbian Visibility Day

Hope the photo has got your attention – despite the irreverence, LVD has a serious message. Only by fostering visibility can we challenge bigotry and promote acceptance.

I’m no historian nor especially activist, but old enough to remember the open misogyny of society (and the veterinary profession, when female applicants for jobs were automatically binned). Thankfully, society (and the veterinary profession) has made some progress in
this regard, and I hope to see similar progress in the devaluation of homophobia over the next decades.

It shouldn’t be necessary to have LVD but it is currently critical that we do challenge the accepted “norms” of society. All of us have at some point experienced the hurt of unequalsocietal values, intentionally or otherwise, even from our nearest and dearest.

There will always be extremists, and different viewpoints, but as a minority group the only way to achieve progress is to educate when we can, and be visible, not marginalised.

Our profession is unique, and in my opinion has a high proportion of independent thinkers with a huge capacity for compassion. We are lucky that, with a number of exceptions, the majority of colleagues are accepting; but others we meet on a daily basis often have different values, and there are sectors of society where it would be incredibly difficult to be ‘out’. Only a few years ago I completely changed clothing after a Pride event to take a late train home, as I didn’t feel comfortable travelling alone, advertising where I’d been. So take every opportunity to educate and promote tolerance, equality and inclusion – let the
prejudiced become the marginalised, minority group.

BVLGBT+ are here for you whatever your connection to the profession; as a voice, but also as a community – the friendliest, most welcoming folks I know. From advice, to
excellent social events, to an understanding ear: we are here.

Be HAPPY
Be PROUD of who you are
Be as VISIBLE as you want to be.