Enhancing Diversity in Surgery: Association of Out Surgeons and Allies, a New Society to Support and Promote Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Surgeons

Abstract

Background: Prejudice towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people continues to decline. Despite this, LGBTQ surgeons still experience discrimination from colleagues, staff, and patients at an alarming rate. The Association of Out Surgeons and Allies (AOSA) was established to address this issue by fostering a more equitable and inclusive surgical environment.

Aosa: AOSA is a national surgical organization of LGBTQ students, trainees, faculty, and allies committed to enhancing equity in surgery through education, outreach, mentorship, and sponsorship. AOSA works in collaboration with national efforts and institutional initiatives to promote the inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ surgeons.

Future directions: Achieving these goals will require a community effort of LGBTQ surgeons and allies in addition to the support of prominent academic institutions and national surgical organizations.

Conclusion: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer surgeons continue to face workplace discrimination. This new surgical society will help foster a supportive environment through visibility, mentorship, education, and community.

Keywords: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer; equity; inclusion; surgery; surgical trainee.