Spotlight: LGBTQ+ Council

The Department of Medicine LGBTQ+ Council advises the department chair on matters related to gender identity and sexual orientation equity, makes recommendations to ensure an equitable and inclusive environment in the department, and plans and implements activities that promote sexual orientation and gender identity equity.

Drs. Steven Disharoon, clinical assistant professor (General Internal Medicine) and Kevin Steehler, internal medicine resident (R1), co-chair the council and there are 20 standing members and two ex-officio members (view full list of council members).

The Department of Medicine has been promoting LGBTQ+ focus in medicine and caring for the LGBTQ community (read some highlights on our website). We also have compiled a list of resources from across the UW and UW Medicine for LGBTQ+ employees and allies. But this is the first formal LGBTQ+ Council in the history of the department.

“The council will foster LGBTQ+ community among residents, staff and faculty, promote visibility, and brainstorm the ways we can improve the working lives of LGBTQ+ physicians at UW’s various clinical sites,” says Steehler.

The LGBTQ+ Council will work to 1) find ways to support, retain and provide opportunities for career advancement and leadership training for LGTBQ+ faculty/staff/trainees; 2) examine conditions of employment such as compensation and work environment, and find ways to prevent harassment, and improve the climate in the department; and 3) increase the visibility and accessibility of LGBTQ+ staff/faculty/trainees in the department.

“In my training, I sought after – and lacked – openly visible LGBTQ+ mentors,” said Disharoon. “With the creation of the new LGBTQ+ Council, I am hopeful that we will not only be able to foster community and enhance visibility of all the amazing LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, and trainees in the Department of Medicine, but also be able to work towards fostering an even more inclusive work environment.”

This newly formed LGBTQ+ Council has only begun its work, starting with a series of events and activities during Pride month in June. The council will be collecting data and reaching out across the department to work on the united goals of ensuring an equitable and inclusive environment and promoting sexual orientation and gender identity equity in the Department of Medicine.

“I am thrilled that we have formed this council,” said Department Chair Dr. Barbara Jung. “And I am committed to creating a safe and equitable place to work. We need to promote an inclusive environment across the department for all to be successful.”