Jennifer E Potter

What is the significance of the object you brought with you to the photo shoot?
The first words in my acceptance letter to HMS in 1983 read: "Welcome to the Harvard family." However, I did not feel each facet of my identity was equally embraced. As a student, I witnessed the defacement of flyers for LGBT events, the reticence of LGBT students to meet on campus, and a dearth of LGBT health topics in the curriculum. Fortunately, the climate at HMS has since changed considerably. as evidenced by the advocacy efforts of LAHMS and the formation of the HMS LGBT Advisory Committee. I share my story with this exhibit in honor of the struggle for LGBTQ visibility and inclusion in our community and with the hope that HMS will build on these successes and emerge a leader in LGBTQ diversity. I recognize that change is an ever-evolving process that requires the voices of many individuals as well as the strength of our collective voice. For this reason, mentoring - helping the next generation become leaders in the ongoing process of change - is one of the activities I value most. I am proud to be pictured here with a group of my current mentees.