Animals don't discriminate on the basis of gender or sexuality. Our species can do better. |
Today SAT would like to acknowledge and celebrate our
lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex colleagues and animal
guardians on the Mardi Gras weekend. Unfortunately members of the LGBTQI continue
to suffer discrimination, bullying and higher rates of depression and suicide
which is totally unacceptable.
Fortunately, animals don’t have the same hang-ups as
people. They don’t hurt, they don’t seek to deliberately wound with their words
or exclude others.
We’re hoping that this weekend you can celebrate the
wonderful diversity of our community. And please, please, please do not feel
alone. As well as support in the general community, veterinarians, vet
students, technicians, nurses, kennelhands, receptionists, and groomers can
reach out to a growing number of organisations.
The British Veterinary Association recently launched its
LGBT arm to create community, promote equality and provide support. You can
follow them on facebook or twitter.
The AVMA has a Lesbian and Gay Veterinary MedicalAssociation which you can check out here.
You don’t have to identify as anything or anyone to
support these organisations.
We’re looking forward to seeing the floats in this year’s
Sydney Mardi Gras. Have a safe weekend.