In celebration of Pride Month, the Society for Vascular Surgery highlights Chris Robb, the SVS Industry Partnership Engagement Manager.
Chris Robb has always had a background in activism and a passion for LGBTQ+ rights, from his days on the Florida State University campus protesting for an inclusive non-discrimination policy to marching on the nation's Capital for marriage equality.
For Chris, Pride Month is a time for celebration and protest.
"Living openly and honestly as a queer person is an inherently political act, and I take pride in the fact that I can both express who I am and have the opportunity to celebrate in both my place of work and in my community," Chris said.
Chris believes there has never been a better time for LGBTQ+ individuals to live unapologetically. But, with any advancement in civil rights, there is an inevitable backlash. As an Orlando native, Chris knows firsthand how violence directly affects marginalized communities. The 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting lives fresh in his mind, with scars permanently etched into the local LGBTQ+ community.
"The shooting is something that I will never forget, but within that tragedy, we found strength in our community and a drive to continue fighting for our right to exist and love freely," Chris said.
This Pride Month, Chris encourages SVS members to raise their voices in support of their LGBTQ+ colleagues and patients by staying aware, staying educated and registering to vote. Actions such as writing to local legislators or supporting gender-affirming care are examples that advance the goal of a more equitable, inclusive and loving future.
Another important step SVS members can take to support the LGBTQ+ community is to stay knowledgeable and ensure patients have access to inclusive care. Chris encourages providers to restrain from making assumptions and suggests asking respectful questions about relationships and sexual health as solutions that significantly benefit the patient's experience.
"From my experience as an HIV+ queer person, it's hard enough to be open and honest with my doctor about the issues I face, especially if I feel there is a lack of understanding. So having someone with shared life experiences or a similar background can be lifesaving in helping create that safe space for one to share honestly and ensure you are getting the treatment right for you,” Chris said.
Chris’ situation is a lived experience for many LGBTQ+ individuals who face disturbing rates of health care discrimination—from harassment by providers to being turned away by hospitals.
This leads to suboptimal care or avoidance of necessary medical treatment. Representation in medicine ensures specific health needs are understood, addressed and integrated into health care practices. Physicians who identify within this community bring firsthand knowledge and empathy that can facilitate better patient-provider communication and improve health outcomes.
"Our community also ages and faces the same vascular risks, sometimes at heightened rates compared to the population at large. Regrettably, health care providers and researchers have persistently excluded our elderly community from the discussion. As LGBTQ+ people age, it is critical to ensure they are included in the conversation about vascular disease and the studies around these issues."
Chris assures that by embracing diversity and inclusivity, the specialty can strive to deliver equitable and affirming care to all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. He encourages everyone to make a gift to the SVS Foundation because of the important initiatives the Foundation runs. He notes the Vascular Care for the Underserved as a program that genuinely affects change in helping address the disparities in health care services for minority and underserved populations.
"It's great to see the SVS Foundation is working to advance the conversation around underrepresented minorities and making sure they are included in both the conversation and the research studies on vascular issues that affect every minority population, because we all age," Chris said.
When you donate to the SVS Foundation, you support Voices of Vascular’s important work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn more and make your gift today.