J Mase III and Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi will be sharing their wisdom, creativity, and leadership with Vanderbilt University on February 18th and 19th. J Mase and Lady Dane are the visionary creators and editors of the Black Trans Prayer Book, an interfaith, multi-dimensional, artistic and theological work that collects the stories, poems, prayers, meditation, spells, and incantations of Black trans & non-binary people. Vanderbilt University will be hosting a two virtual events in February with the co-creators: 

February is Black History Month, and we want to celebrate by highlighting the Black LGBTQ figures in history that are too often over-looked. From Miss Major to Pauli Murray to Bayard Rustin, we encourage you to learn more about the Black LGBTQ individuals who have shaped our history.

The Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ Health and the VUMC Office for Diversity Affairs are working to create the first OUTlist for the Vanderbilt University Medical Center! The VUMC OUTlist will be used to increase visibility of the LGBTQ community at VUMC, help LGBTQ individuals connect to mentors and resources, and build community among VUMC's LGBTQ employees and allies. more . .

 

Statement from Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion André L. Churchwell regarding the death of George Floyd My Heart is Broken.

On May 5, Vanderbilt Heart & Vascular Institute invited Middle Tennessee community cardiologists and primary care clinicians to meet via Zoom for a one-hour forum regarding the coronavirus and heart and vascular care: Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. A panel of VHVI physicians provided an overview of the current impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in our region, examined the correlation between COVID-19 and the heart and discussed Vanderbilt’s role in vaccine research and innovation.  

Kimberly Vinson, MD, associate professor of Otolaryngology and former Assistant Dean for Diversity Affairs, has been appointed to the position of Associate Dean for Diversity Affairs for Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Her appointment was effective April 18, 2020. In this role, Vinson will continue to report to Andre Churchwell, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Diversity Affairs for VUSM and Chief Diversity Officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The Program for LGBTQ Health's Trans Buddy Program is focused on empowering transgender patients by providing emotional support during health care visits. If you are interested in becoming a Trans Buddy volunteer, the first Trans Buddy training of 2020 will take place on Saturday, January 25. Right now, we are seeking more transgender volunteers.