However, it is important to note some caveats and nuances that come with this topic. First, student clubs are as diverse and dynamic as the students of which they're composed. Especially in the context of graduate schools, leadership and interest can wax and wane, resulting in clubs that are very active some years but inactive the next. In addition, LGBTQQIA clubs can have very different objectives: some may be geared towards the social aspects (e.g. hosting parties and mixers); others may address education (e.g. bringing in speakers, highlighting inclusive language, hosting events that raise awareness); while others may focus on the political (e.g. encouraging student activism, protests, petitions). Furthermore, some of the clubs and groups listed here comprise only veterinary students (such as student chapters of the LGVMA) while other clubs comprise students of different health professions (such as Lambda and Friends of Western University), while other clubs represent students in both graduate and undergraduate programs.
In the context of graduate schools, the concept of student groups requires further consideration. In my (SF) experience, I've found many graduate students are less inclined to participate in LGBT groups (and groups in general) due to their busy schedules and the idea that they are in graduate school for professional training. Similarly, others have expressed they've received a lot of support or have participated extensively in student groups in their undergraduate education and do not feel the need to participate in student organizations in graduate school. For those who DO choose to participate, busier schedules often hinder a group's ability to maintain consistency to the level of support/activities the group is able to provide. Finally, some schools have the benefit of having both an undergraduate and graduate student population, which can translate into a greater ability to provide infrastructural/institutional support, such as through LGBT Resource Centers. On the flip side, schools with both populations may not have clubs that are able to address both groups, and some LGBT groups may be more targeted towards undergraduates.
With ALL this in mind, check out
the list
for current support organizations at your school.
Is your organization/club not represented? Are the contact links outdated? Are there glaring errors? Shoot us an email at: broadspectrumoutreach@gmail.com
Here are some screen shots for quick reference (we recommend the actual list for access to the links):
USA: Schools in Alabama and California
**** Edited 10/2 to include Ontario Veterinary College's Diversity Club****
**** Edited 8/2 to correct the information for the following
1. Changed Iowa State University and University of Pennsylvania contact information
2. Included VOICE (Veterinary Students as One in Culture and Ethnicity) contacts from their officer website; however, it's unclear when the roster was last updated.
3. Included Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Chairs at their representative universities.
Broad Spectrum Chairs
Secretary-Audrey Weaver, Tuskegee University
Outreach Co-Chairs-William Gilles, University of Wisconsin; Sonia Fang, Western University of Health Sciences
Webmaster: William Gilles
Blogger: Sonia Fang
LGVMA Student Representative: Allison Gutwillig, University of Wisconsin
Intern/Resident Chair: Nikki Wright, University of Pennsylvania
Alumni Relations: Ruthie Parsley, UC Davis
Legislation Chair: Jillian Zientek, The Ohio State University*****
