Throughout Pride Month, BVNA will be raising visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community within the veterinary nursing profession. In this blog we hear from Jamie Reynolds, who is just about to qualify as an RVN. Jamie shares how his love of animals supported his journey with feeling confident in his own identity – and ultimately led to a career in veterinary nursing.  

My name is Jamie and I’ve just finished my BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing with Small Animal Rehabilitation at Harper Adams University. I’m starting my first RVN position in July at Minster Vets.

I spent many years battling my own identity. I wasn’t taught in school about the LGBTQ+ community at all and it took me until I was 12 years old before I finally started realising who I was. I originally came out as bisexual, I perceived it to be more socially accepted and hid behind the label out of fear, but I always knew that I was gay. I didn’t come out until I was 17 years old.

I became a veterinary nurse because my love for animals has played a monumental role in supporting my mental health. We got our first ever dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier X called Tyler, when I was 16 and felt most alone. He felt like the only one who understood me for a long time and saved me from a very dark place. He didn’t care who I was or who I loved, he just unconditionally loved me just for being his person. We just celebrated Tyler’s 11th birthday and he’s showing no signs of slowing down at all!

I’ve always found animals easier to be around than people and I knew that I wanted to take care of animals in the same way that Tyler has taken care of me. Fast forward to 24 years old and I’m now in a happy relationship with a man who loves me, doing a job I love.

I’m a strong advocate for the better prevention, intervention and education of animal abuse. I’m thrilled to be presenting my research at the BVNA Congress on 10^th October and I hope to contribute to the betterment of animal welfare.

I know that 16-year-old me would be in awe of the life I’ve built for myself. It can be a very lonely experience when you’re questioning your identity but by leaning on your loved ones, you can have a beautiful life living authentically.

Thank you, Jamie, for being willing to share your experiences with us.

To help BVNA to promote a more inclusive, supportive and representative profession, we’d love to hear from those within the LGBTQIA+ community and allies with your experiences. Please get in touch at bvna@bvna.co.uk.