“Today’s world is an inclusive world and it is high time that we recognised the contribution of every single member of our profession" - Dr Siraya Chunekamrai, WSAVA.

The document outlines minimal civil rights expectations for people of all gender identities.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has pledged to support equal rights for all members of the professions by signing the Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR).

Created by the Pride Veterinary Medicial Community, the GIBOR was launched in October 2021 to address the need for a clear expression of commitment to equality, equity and human rights for all members of the veterinary community.

The document outlines minimal civil rights expectations for people of all gender identities, and vows to equal and fair treatment for LGBTQ+ people .

WSAVA has signed the document as part of its campaign to address inequalities and inequities faced by the LGBTQ+ veterinary community. It is also urging its 115 member associations and 200,000 individual members to pledge their support for diversity and inclusion by signing up to the GIBOR. 

WSAVA president, Dr Siraya Chunekamrai said: “Today’s world is an inclusive world and it is high time that we recognised the contribution of every single member of our profession, while supporting them in living as their true selves. I am delighted to sign the GIBOR on behalf of the WSAVA and our global veterinary community.” 

“All WSAVA members have a role to play in building a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion so I urge our member associations and, indeed, our 200,000 individual members, to follow our lead in supporting equal rights for all members of our profession. By joining together in solidarity, we will ensure that the veterinary profession harnesses the talents of all of its individual members and has a firm foundation on which it can build a successful and sustainable future.”

Dr Ewan Wolff GIBOR co-author, said: "In a time of continual hardship for the LGBTQ+ community in the United States and around the world we welcome the strong support of WSAVA for the Gender Identity Global Bill of Rights. 

“We have one simple goal, and that is for gender diverse people in the veterinary profession to belong as themselves. WSAVA today helps to realize a universal vision of belonging for gender diverse individuals in the profession that has been furthered by support from organizations such as the ARVA, BVNA, BVLGBT+, BVEDS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Zoetis and many others. 

They added: “We look forward to a day when more national organisations join hands with WSAVA and commit to this level of support. Until then, we praise this leap forward and welcome further discussion with supporters around the world."