Influential LGBTQIA+ in the Animal Welfare World

​In honor of pride month the Animal Care Foundation would like to acknowledge several individuals in the LQBTQIA+ community that have made meaningful impacts in animal welfare.  Representation is important, making it easier for individuals to see themselves in leadership roles as well as in professional communities.  These folks illuminate options that might not have seemed possible without that representation.  We are proud to recognize these individuals who are an open part of the LGBTQIA+ community and make a difference in the lives of animals everyday. Currently it is estimated 15% of veterinarians in the United States identify as LGBTQIA+ and it is important they get the representation they deserve and their presence becomes the norm rather than a surprise.

Dr. Joseph Kinnarney

Dr. Joseph Kinnarney was the first openly gay president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Elected in 2014, his main goal was to make Veterinary schooling more affordable and improve wellness within the field.  He has come to recognize the importance of his presidency not just in the strides he made to improve the Veterinary Medicine field and the association, but also the impact that having an openly gay president has had on inclusion within the field.  Hearing from students and young professionals who shared how his openness impacted their own lives reminded him of the importance of representation.  Dr. Kinnarney came out later in life after a marriage and having two sons.  When he began questioning his sexuality he began working with a therapist who helped him understand his own sexuality.  His presidency allowed countless young people to see themselves as veterinarians and leaders. 

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Dr. Dane Whitaker

Dr. Dane Whitaker is one of the past presidents of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community, an organization that works to create a better world for the LGBTQ veterinary community.  Dr. Whitakker has been a practicing veterinarian for over 25 years as a transman. In 1994 he completed his veterinary degree at the University of Florida and in 2017 earned his Masters at UC Davis in Preventive Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Whitaker is an active and vocal member of the veterinary community advancing equity and inclusion in the field and sharing his lived experience through public speaking.  His choice to actively and openly share his experiences and push for equity in the veterinary field has had an incredible impact on his community. 

You can learn more about the Pride Veterinary Medical Community Here: https://pridevmc.org/.

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Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness is known for starring in the television show ‘Queer Eye’.   Jonathan actively  uses his growing platform to advocate for animal rescue and to support local shelters. He is especially passionate about helping prevent unnecessary euthanasias in rescues.  Jonathan Van Ness speaks of his five cats that have helped his mental health and describes them as his “chosen family”.  Jonathan pushes his community to adopt vs shop and encourages individuals to support their local rescues helping animals get the care they need and find their forever families.  His passion for animal welfare shines through when he talks to his community and inspires folks to take action in their own communities. 

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References 
https://www.avma.org/news/kinnarney-honored-avma-award-dedicated-service-avma-family
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/248/7/javma.248.7.724.pdf
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fresh-step-and-jonathan-van-ness-arent-kitten-about-cat-adoption-301873581.html
https://pacvet.net/dane-whitaker-dvm-mpvm/
https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/person/dane-whitaker