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Our Mission
We’re here to build a brighter, more inclusive future for LGBT+ individuals in the veterinary profession. While challenges around mental health and wellbeing affect many, LGBT+ professionals often face unique barriers. That’s why we’re creating a safe, supportive community where everyone can feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Through education and advocacy, we help employers, businesses, and educational institutions foster truly inclusive environments. By partnering with organisations across the industry, we provide the tools and guidance to turn good intentions into lasting change.
Discrimination and bullying have no place in our profession. Together with the BVA, RCVS, and other allies, we’re driving progress, celebrating diversity, and ensuring everyone in the profession can thrive.
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OUR COMMITTEE
The Team Driving the Vision
Meet the dedicated team behind BVLGBT+, a passionate group of individuals working together to champion inclusivity, support our community, and drive positive change within the veterinary profession. Interested in joining the team and making a difference? Explore our volunteer opportunities and get involved today
Charlotte McCarroll
Current President
Adam Horton
Student President
Hannah Hansen
Entertainments Officer
Mat Hennessey
Founder
Ben Curnow
General Committee
James Whitmore
Senior Vice President
Teri-Ann Baldwin
Nurse Liaison
Luke McBlain
Entertainments Officer
Dan Makin
General Committee
Benjamin Cross
General Committee
Helen Redpath
Secretary
Ami Sawran
Farm Vet Liaison
Michael Matthews
Publicity Officer
Leah Morley
General Committee
Claire Hodgson
General Committee
Peter Heather
Treasurer
Tobias Hunter
Website Officer
Damaris Fey
Publicity Officer
Tommy Doyle
General Committee
Roy Sim
General Committee
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
What We’ve Done So Far ...
BVLGBT+ has gathered nearly 500 members since it began 5 years ago, demonstrating its relevance to the veterinary professions. The BVLGBT+ Society has received vocal and practical support from across the industry and has the endorsement of the BVA, BVNA, SPVS, and the RCVS. It has affiliate status at BVA Council. Championing Diversity — Supporting Community — Empowering Change
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Marched at Pride events across the UK every year since 2016
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Held annual residential Members’ Days focused on Welfare and Wellbeing
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Provided speakers at professional events, such as London Vet Show and SPVS Congress
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Supported our student groups across the vet schools to hold social and educational events, including talks by Claire Balding and Sir Ian McKellan.
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Provided nearly 50 travel bursaries for students to attend Pride and our Members’ Day
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Worked with other veterinary organisations on initiatives to address discrimination and promote diversity, including presenting to the BVA Good Workplace Working Group and leading discussions in the Courageous Conversations conferences
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Showcased Veterinary LGBT+ role models each year alongside the BVA for LGBT+ History Month
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OUR MEMBERS
A Diverse and United Community
The BVLGBT+ Society is proud to represent a vibrant and ever-growing community of members from across the UK and beyond. Our membership is made up of veterinary surgeons, nurses, students, technicians, and support staff, all united by a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity within the veterinary profession.
Our society reflects the broad spectrum of identities within the LGBT+ community and its allies, bringing together individuals from all walks of life who share common values and goals.
Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive veterinary profession where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
We are stronger together
OUR PARTNERS
Supporting Us in Driving Change
Our partners play a vital role in supporting BVLGBT’s mission to create a more inclusive veterinary profession. Through their collaboration and commitment, we’re able to expand our reach, deliver impactful initiatives, and foster a community where everyone belongs.
Premier Buying Group is proud to support BVLGBT+.
VetPartners are proud to support BVLGBT+.
Millie’s Vets are proud to support BVLGBT+
Virbac are proud to support BVLGBT+.
Vetted Recruitment are very proud to support BVLGBT+. We have over 35 years’ of collective experience working across the veterinary industry. This gives us an in depth knowledge of life both inside and outside of practice. We know the market and the opportunities available to candidates. Whether you are soon-to-be or newly graduated, or are looking for your next senior role, we can help.
BVA champions, supports, and empowers more than 19,000 vets of all ages, stages, and disciplines.
Australian Rainbow Vets and Allies
Australian Rainbow Vets and Allies (ARVA) is an advocacy and support group for LGBTQIA individuals in the veterinary industry in Australasia and South East Asia. They provide mentoring, advocacy, education on LGBTQIA issues and social events for their members and the veterinary profession generally.
Groups/Socials: Facebook Group (for Members) || Facebook Group (for Allies)
Pride Veterinary Medical Community
The mission and purpose of PrideVMC is to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community. Their vision is an empowered LGBTQ+ veterinary community that embraces wellbeing by being their authentic selves.
Groups/ Socials: Facebook (PrideVMC) || Facebook (PrideStudentVMC) || Instagram
British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society
The aim of BVEDS is to celebrate, promote, educate and support people from all backgrounds on ethnicity and diversity in the veterinary profession.
Groups/Socials: Facebook Page || Facebook Group
British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support
The aim of BVCIS is to provide support to veterinary workers in the United Kingdom who are living with chronic illness or disability.
Groups/Socials: Facebook Page || Facebook Group
Liverpool University Veterinary LGBT+ Society
Groups/Socials: Facebook Page || Facebook Group || Instagram || Twitter
