Bill’s guest is Michelle Milanova. Michelle is a fourth year student at the UW Vet school and is the Chapter President of PrideSVMC. PrideSVMC is a veterinary student LGBTQ+ organization. Michelle gives us some history; the organization’s roots go all the way back to 1977 when gay UW Vet students first organized. She takes us through a short history of how the organization has evolved, becoming increasingly more inclusive arriving at today’s LGBTQ+ inclusive community of students. The current Madison chapter has been active for about thirteen years. As a group they work to educate about LBTQ+ issues with the highlight being the annual drag show sponsored by the Chapter.
In the context of the UW becoming more LGBGQ+ friendly, Bill walks us through some campus history. What it was like to be LGBTQ on campus in the 80’s and 90’s with mention of the 10% club, dances and the all around vibrancy as LGBTQ folks worked for recognition and respect.
Michelle shares some of her journey to become a veterinarian. She spent her summers with her Grandparents in Bulgaria (yes she is also bi-lingual) where she fell in love with caring for animals. Her grandfather was a zoologist and her grandmother rescued animals. So, her summers were spent preparing for her ultimate vocation. There is also a side conversation about naming pet fish…you need to listen for more on that…as well as the snakes and lizards!
image courtesy: Michelle Milanov
https://pridevmc.org/pridesvmc/
