Spotlight: LGBTQ+ Council
The Department of Medicine LGBTQ+ Council was initiated in 2021 to advise departmental leadership on matters related to gender identity and sexual orientation equity, make recommendations to ensure an equitable and inclusive environment in the department, and organize activities that promote sexual orientation and gender identity equity.
Updates
We are pleased to share that Dr. Shiv Bhandari (he/him), acting instructor (General Internal Medicine) will chair the council this year.
Bhandari completed his training at UW and is a hospitalist at UWMC-Montlake. He is also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
“My focus as chair of the LGBTQ+ Council is to promote visibility and foster community among LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, residents and trainees within the Department of Medicine across all clinical sites,” he said.
The council will begin meeting again on a bi-monthly basis, starting November 5, from 6-7pm on Zoom.
Council member commitments include:
- Attending bi-monthly Council meetings (Zoom) and bringing forward concerns raised by the DOM LGBTQ+ community on workplace equity and inclusivity.
- Participating in two Community Engagement Events held in January and June 2025.
All council members will receive a rainbow lanyard as well!
Goals and initiatives
Going forward, the council will be creating new initiatives that reinforce inclusivity, equity and wellbeing in our department and advising and advocating on important issues.
Unite and amplify voices
The council will serve as a platform for LGBTQ+ voices to be heard and a springboard to bring visibility to LGBTQ+ activities and stories within the larger department.
Throughout the year, the council aims to circulate regular feature stories in our department’s news channels that recognize and celebrate the contributions of the department’s community of LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, residents and trainees across our multiple clinical sites.
“We would love to celebrate you with a featured spotlight!”
Among their main priorities will be to create spaces for community and gathering, both in person and virtually. In addition to bi-monthly meetings, the council will host two Community Engagement Events open to all DOM LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, residents, and trainees.
“Our first event will take place in January 2025 - stay tuned for more information!”
Take action
Council meetings will serve as a forum for collaboration and as a supportive space to promote mentorship and professional development opportunities for the DOM LGBTQ+ community.
Much of their work will involve advising on concerns about workplace equity and inclusivity voiced by the LGBTQ+ community in the department.
All members of the DOM LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to reach out to council members with concerns which will be discussed at bi-monthly Council meetings to identify areas where the council can advocate for change within the DOM.
Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Council and sign up to become a member.