b'ARTICLEone in four vets (27%) who described their sexual orientation as bi, gay orRCVS survey of the lesbian had personally experiencedveterinary profession 2019discrimination in the past year; almost double the incidence amongst vetsOther describing themselves as heterosexual or4.8%straight (15%). Source: The Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey, Feb 2019TOP 3 TIPS for Advocating for the LGBTQ+ Community in the Workplace1. Correct Misgendering and Use ofWhite veterinary Harmful Language surgeons90.9%When someone misgenders a person, even if they arent present, or uses slurs, stereotypes, or harmful language, its important to speak up. Correcting these3.5% BAME Vets (RCVS Survey of the Veterinary behaviours helps create a respectful andNursing Profession 2019), compared to 18.3% of the UK population (2021 Census)inclusive environment, signalling to others that such behaviour is unacceptable.2. Normalise Pronoun Usagein Your Communication 3. Challenge Discriminatory BehaviourIncorporate your pronouns into your nameNever stay silent when you witness badges, email signature, Zoom name,discrimination or bias against LGBTQ+ and other communication platforms.individuals. Speak out against This simple step promotes inclusivityinappropriate comments or actions, and encourages others to recognisewhether they come from colleagues, and respect the importance of correctclients, or others, and use these moments pronoun usage in the workplace. Showas opportunities to educate and your allyship with small gestures like,advocate for respect.wearing a Pride lanyard, pin, or otherBlack, Asian and Ethnic Minority visible symbols of support. Community (BAEM)The BAEM community encompasses a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds and identities. In the UK veterinary sector, this group is significantly underrepresented, reflecting broader societal challenges in achieving racial equity. SOBERING STATISTICDid you know that 34% of employees in the UK - equating to 6.9 million people - report having been treated less favourably, subjected to hostile, derogatory, or negative comments, or harassed or bullied in the workplace due to their identity? This issue disproportionately affects minority groups, with the highest rates of discrimination reported by:27%who described their63% of individuals from Black sexual orientation as bi, gay orbackgroundslesbian had personally experienced55% of individuals from Mixed/Multiple discrimination in the past year ethnic groups51% of individuals from Asian backgrounds14www.inspiredvet.co.uk'