Veterinary community members led by PrideVMC marched in the June 30 World Pride 2019 parade in New York City. Pride Veterinary Medical Community (Pride VMC) partnered with Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE) and an array of veterinary associations and industry partners to embrace diversity and inclusion in the veterinary community.
Representatives from the veterinary community came from several states as far away as Washington State and as close as New York City. Veterinarians and veterinary team healthcare team providers in private practice, industry, government and consulting gathered to show their PRIDE. One large animal veterinarian touted a makeshift cow sign cleverly draped over a suitcase. Flags with pets and pet tatoos were distributed with bags from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. A VCA representative had her dog Cole in tow to make the jaunt down the parade route. Spirits were high as the group gathered to begin the March for the very first time.
According to an earlier statement in the VMAE newsletter, having the veterinary profession represented on the world stage is a unique and rare opportunity. Part of Pride VMC’s mission is to foster acceptance and inclusivity, and in that spirit it has taken the lead in organizing veterinary community support WorldPride NYC and coordinating the individuals to march together and unite in pride for the LGBTQ+ Veterinary Medical Community. VMAE is supporting World Pride 2019 as to underscore the importance of diversity and inclusion in the veterinary community.
Updated from an earlier post 6/30/19
