Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Pride and Progress in Equality and Conservation

Pride Month is not just a celebration but a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.

This month, I want to highlight the importance of Pride in light of recent events, while sharing a bit about my experiences with the National Marine Mammal Foundation. 

My husband and I both served in the US military, during and after the era of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT). This was a period of profound challenge and growth for ourselves and the country. Serving under a policy that forced many LGBTQ+ service members to hide their true selves was incredibly difficult. The repeal of DADT in 2011 was a monumental step forward, allowing us to serve openly and with integrity. Similarly, the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 2013 marked another significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, affirming the legitimacy of our relationships.

Recent events, such as this month’s pardoning of LGBTQ+ service members who were discharged under discriminatory policies, are a testament to the ongoing progress and recognition of the historic injustices faced by our community. However, in today’s climate, LGBTQ+ individuals still face significant threats and challenges. Discrimination and prejudice continue to impact our lives, and recent legislative and societal shifts have underscored the necessity for vigilance and activism to protect our hard-won rights.

Working with the NMMF, I see daily the importance of compassion and understanding. Conservation and pride share a common goal: fostering a world where every being can thrive in their natural environment. By protecting marine mammals and their habitats, we promote respect for all living things, echoing the values of acceptance and care championed by the LGBTQ+ community.

The parallels between biodiversity and human diversity are striking and important. Just as biodiversity contributes to the health and vitality of ecosystems, human diversity enriches our organizations and societies. Embracing diversity in all its forms—whether in nature or within human communities—leads to greater resilience, innovation, and well-being.

Pride is a time to celebrate our progress and reaffirm our commitment to equality. By standing together and supporting each other, we can continue to make strides toward a more inclusive and accepting world for all.

About the Author

Picture of Kyle Ross

Kyle Ross

Kyle attended veterinary school at Tufts Cumming’s School of Veterinary Medicine in Boston, MA and graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Masters in Public Health (MPH) in 2015. Upon graduating veterinary school, Kyle commissioned in the US Army Veterinary Corps and completed initial training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) outside of Seattle. Upon completion of this program, Kyle stayed at JBLM as Branch Chief, providing veterinary care to military working dogs and service member’s pets as well as providing public health expertise to the installation. During this time Kyle also provided relief veterinary work to the Navy’s marine mammals at Naval Base Bangor. Following his time in Washington, Kyle moved to San Diego where he has supported the Navy Marine Mammal program as a clinical veterinarian since 2018. He became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine in 2019 and has special interest in public health and occupational health and safety.