Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association: August 2015

About Our Organization

Mission Statement
Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association’s mission is to connect, support and empower community for LGBT+* students and allies across veterinary education.
*LGBT + will be used as an inclusive acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer,Questioning, Asexual and others who self-identify on the sexual orientation and/or gender expression continuums.

Vision Statement
Broad Spectrum desires greater support and a sense of community for all LGBT+ students and allies throughout veterinary medical education. We actively strive to counter episodes of bigotry and marginalization with positive messages of diversity and inclusion. We have healthy, supportive and encouraging relationships with pre-veterinary, veterinary and graduate students, faculty, staff and administrators. We are known for advocating for the respect and equality of seen and unseen LGBT+ members in the academic veterinary community and beyond. We contribute to the development of safe and welcoming veterinary school environments for pre- and current veterinary students. Broad Spectrum makes veterinary schools more inclusive for all students, especially LGBT+ students. We accomplish this by starting important and courageous conversations about LGBT+ inclusion, in addition to maintaining much needed support for LGBT+ students in veterinary medicine.

Our History
We were founded in 2011 at the SAVMA Symposium hosted by UC Davis. The name 'Broad Spectrum' came out of a calculated attempt to be as inclusive as possible to any student who falls anywhere on the spectra of sexuality, sex, or gender. We welcome all students no matter their sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression. And yes, allies, this means we welcome you, too!

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Sunday, August 2, 2015

AVMA Convention Recap!

AVMA Convention Recap

I attended the AVMA convention in Boston this month, and had a wonderful time getting to know LGVMA’s board members. I had the opportunity to sit in on one of the LGVMA board meetings. During this meeting, we discussed the relationship between LGVMA and Broad Spectrum at length. The two clubs will continue to be loosely affiliated with one another. The question remains as to whether or not LGVMA will continue to have student chapters, or whether Broad Spectrum will become the only student LGBTQ+ organization.

Several Broad Spectrum members worked at the LGVMA booth during the conference. During this time, we helped to recruit new members and had many great conversations with attendees about the importance of LGBT equality within the veterinary profession. Many people were genuinely surprised to hear that our organizations exist, and were very interested in hearing more about them. LGVMA hosted two talks at the convention, and both had good attendance. Dr. Barry Feldman presented “Suicide Prevention: A Discussion for the Veterinary Profession”. Drs. Michael Chaddock, Lisa Greenhill, and Malcolm Kram presented “Identifying Diverse & LGBT Friendly Opportunities”.

The conference was an excellent networking opportunity. LGVMA hosted several dinners, which provided excellent settings for networking with other LGBTQ+ practitioners. A representative from the HRC spoke at one of the LGVMA events, and provided excellent insight into the challenges that still face the LGBTQ+ community even after the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding same-sex marriage. In addition, LGVMA was invited to a reception by Mrs. Cohn, wife of past AVMA president Dr. Ted Cohn, and Bradley Marlow, who is engaged to current AVMA president Dr. Joe Kinnarney. This was a great opportunity to meet the new AVMA president!

Abby McElroy
DVM Candidate 2017
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

National Co-Chair, Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association