The group is open to anyone who wants to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights within the veterinary community.

Group to represent and support LGBT colleagues

An initiative to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the veterinary profession has been launched, the BVA reports.

The new British Veterinary LGBT group (BVLGBT) will meet at the BVA headquarters at the end of September in London to bring together supporters from across the UK and start to plan activities for the coming year.

The group was started after vet Mat Hennessey (pictured) noticed a medics banner at the Pride in London parade and realised that there was a need to represent and support vets in the LGBT community.

The group, which already has almost 300 members, is open to anyone who wants to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights within the veterinary profession, whether they are in education or at work.

“Seeing that banner brought to the fore something that I had been aware of for some time – the need for a visible and supportive community for veterinary professionals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and the colleagues who want to support us and promote equality.," said Mr Hennessey.

“Veterinary professionals are a supportive bunch, but there has not been an open culture for LGBT vets on campus and in practice and that should change. The nature of veterinary work also means that vets can be located in remote, rural regions, without an LGBT community to plug into and this can be a very lonely and isolating experience.

"BVLGBT wants to engage with all colleagues who could benefit from the group and we are particularly keen to reach out to vets working in those rural areas without an LGBT community to feel part of.  We are here for you.”

BVA president John Blackwell added: “This is a forward thinking and much needed initiative and one that BVA is proud to support. Veterinary surgeons and our veterinary nurse colleagues work within a close-knit community whether it is practice based or otherwise and the formation of BVLGBT sends a clear message out that the veterinary professions and organisations such as BVA welcome diversity and will fight for equality.

"We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our LGBT colleagues and look forward to marching with them at Pride in London in June 2016, having achieved much in the coming year.”

To find out more and become involved in BVLGBT email bvlgbt@gmail.com