Dr. Dane Whitaker has been practicing veterinary medicine in the San Francisco area for over 25 years. He completed his veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 1994 and his Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis in 2017. He currently provides small animal clinical relief services across central California, as well as serves as an associate veterinarian at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. Dr. Whitaker is a member of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community Board of Directors and sits on the California Veterinary Medical Association’s inaugural Inclusion & Diversity Committee.
In-person
Thursday, June 18, 2026
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Being a Transgender Veterinarian: The Case for Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
This session will cover what it means to be transgender, and specifically a transgender veterinarian. Participants will hear the personal story of going through veterinary school and into practice with a trans identity. The session will then cover an example of creating diverse spaces through pronoun use. Finally, participants will understand the continued importance of DEI in supporting all members of the veterinary community.
11:25 AM–12:25 PM
Current Challenges Facing the LGBITQ+ Community: How We Can All Be Part of the Solution
This session will outline the current challenges faced by LGBTQ+ identified individuals. The queer community is facing crisis, with a recent increase in hate and fear plus laws designed to limit the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ folks, particularly gender diverse individuals. Participants will hear how this crisis is affecting queer members of the veterinary profession and how the Pride Veterinary Medical community is stepping up to face this crisis. Participants can also learn how to get involved as allies so that we can all be a part of the solution.
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