LGBT+ History Month role models: Teri-Ann Baldwin

What inspired your path into the veterinary profession?

As a young child I would always watch programmes on TV about Tigglywinks Hedgehog Hospital and Animal Hospital which really inspired me to pursue a career with animals. I remember always being so in awe at the nurses and all the amazing care they would provide to the patients and how much love they showed them. It really resonated with me.

What has been the most challenging part of your career?

I have always struggled with education and being able to concentrate and adhere to my goals which was quite a struggle in university. That made it very difficult for me to gain my qualification as despite finally doing what I had always wanted to do, I just could not make it stick on paper. I obtained my qualification in 2012 despite these struggles. It wasn’t until 2020 during the pandemic that I had a diagnosis for Autism and ADD which really helped me push forward further with my career. I’d been qualified for 8 years at that point and everything finally slotted into place.

What has been the best part of your career so far?

I am a bit of an anaesthesia nerd and really enjoy doing anaesthetics for challenging operations, so the best part of my career so far has been being part of a team and assisting with the anaesthetic for a Patent Ductus surgery! Helping that patient pull through and go home was amazing and gave me such an immense sense of pride and achievement. I am also a Clinical Coach – the best part of my career outside of the above is helping and training new nurses and watching them grow and qualify and start their journey in this career.

What are your proudest achievements of your career?

It may sound cheesy but my proudest achievements have been my academic one. Despite my struggles I have gained my BSc Hons and a post qualification certificate in Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition. I am also in my final year of a Master’s in Animal Nutrition and it has been my proudest achievement to get here.

What advice would you offer to someone experiencing difficulty with their sexuality or gender identity?

Accepting yourself and your identity is difficult, especially when there are people in the world telling you that your existence itself is wrong. It can feel very isolating and lonely, however you should be so proud of the person you are and the person you continue to grow as. Our sexuality and gender identity aren’t always straightforward – and that is ok. If your sexuality changes, that is valid and so are you. Gender identity can be something you may suppress for many years – I myself never felt right in my body and never could understand why until I was 30 and realised that non-binary is a term that really fits me. You will get people that try and stop you from being who you are – but there are so many of us, not just in the veterinary profession who want you to be who you are and want you here.

Make sure you are always in a safe environment to come out (if you choose to) and you also don’t have to put a label on yourself if you don’t want to. You are the only person who can decide how you identify. Do not let anyone force you to do anything you do not want to do. I never truly ‘came out’. I just started living as my authentic self – never let anyone tell you your sexuality or gender identity isn’t valid. It is also okay to let go of people who do not allow you to live how you want to.

If there is one piece of advice you would give your younger self, what would that be and why?

Life will be a little bit tough for a while but you’re strong and you’re going to get through it. Don’t listen to anything that people tell you that you are, because it’s untrue. Don’t try and change yourself to make them happy, you’ll only regret it when you’re older. Be true to yourself and let go of the people who don’t accept that! It is never too late to be who you want to be.

Further reading on LGBT+ History Month, BVLGBT+ and Vetlife

Head to LGBT+ History Month and British Veterinary LGBT+ Society to learn more.

Vetlife offer independent, confidential and free help for everyone in the veterinary community including veterinary nurses, students and non-clinical staff. If you or anyone you know is after support, Vetlife is here for you.