Pride Month 2026 – blog by Helen Redpath MRCVS

My career journey

I began my career in mixed general practice, then small animal practice for a number of years, including seven years as senior vet at an emergency clinic. Since then, I’ve had a long career as a locum in small animal clinical practice, with some large animal Official Veterinarian work.

After 35 years in the profession with no career breaks, I’m now part-time. My interests currently largely lie with wildlife and conservation.

What Pride Month means to me

Pride is fundamentally a protest against the prejudiced who would deny the queer community the right to exist. 

Pride month is also an opportunity to celebrate the LGBT+ community, raise visibility, demonstrate the strength of our commitment and unity, and also that of our allies.

Who inspires me in the LGBTQ+ community

Dr Peter Jones MRCVS has always been a trailblazer for the LGBT+ community within the profession, and a personal inspiration from talks I have attended.

The past and present BVLGBT+ committee members are a constant daily inspiration, working unsung behind the scenes (usually while in full-time employment) to provide support, friendship, and safe social spaces for those within our community. And always with imagination, ingenuity, positivity, and a lot of fun!

Why LGBTQ+ history matters

Aside from the fact that as long as there have been people, there have been queer people, and that gender fluidity and homosexuality are normal throughout the natural world. A key aspect I would highlight is the Stonewall riots as the origin of the Pride movement. 

Given the current political climate, it wouldn’t take much to return to a similar environment of oppression.

Advice for allies in the veterinary profession

Just be accepting of everyone - choose your friends on the basis of who they are as a decent person regardless of arbitrary ‘labels’. Celebrate, don’t demonise ‘differences’. Listen, support, and call out prejudice when you see it.