Dr. Shannon Whittington: The Trailblazer Championing LGBTQ+ Representation in Healthcare and Workplace

Despite media coverage and increased visibility over the past decades, the queer population continues to face stigma and exclusion in prominent spheres like healthcare and the corporate world. Dr. Shannon Whittington is one of the dedicated leaders from the community who has been fighting this good fight for years now and has established herself as a leading authority in LGBTQ+ education.

Dr. Whittington, a renowned speaker, bestselling author, consultant, and clinical nurse educator, and a certified individual in LGB and transgender competency, specializes in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare and the workplace. As a gay woman herself, she understands the critical importance of increasing awareness and providing guidance on being inclusive of the community. With a mission to transform organizations and healthcare providers to become more rainbow inclusive, she provides insight and practical skills for organizations seeking to improve their diversity and inclusion efforts.

One major focus area of Dr. Whittington is educating clinicians on how to care for transgender and non-binary individuals after gender-affirmation surgery. She has delivered talks on transgender health and the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion at multiple seminars and conferences, receiving high praise from organizations nationwide. Additionally, Dr. Whittington is a city and state lobbyist for transgender equality, further cementing her role as an industry expert in LGBTQ+ education.

With pride month in full swing, Dr. Whittington is also garnering attention towards her book, “LGBTQ+ ABCs for Grown Ups,” which provides a simplistic explanation of what LGBTQ+ means, and is also easy to grasp and execute. Contrary to most other content in the media, this book is geared towards people who are not a part of the queer populace and may feel uncomfortable or unsure in conversations surrounding LGBTQ+ topics. It is designed to enhance their knowledge in the area and build their confidence for such discussions. Dr. Whittington’s expertise in the field has made her a sought-after speaker and educator, and her book is just one example of the impact she is creating through her work.

When it comes to LGBTQ+ education, there isn’t really much competition in the market, making Dr. Whittington’s services stand out even more. Moreover, her background as a doctorate-prepared nurse and certified LGBTQ+ expert sets her apart from even the people in the same league.

Dr. Whittington’s unwavering devotion and exceptional work have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Quality and Innovation Award from the Home Care Association of New York, as well as the Notable LGBTQ+ Leaders & Executives award from Crain’s New York Business for three years and counting. She has also been acknowledged by New York City as PRIDE 100 NY City & State for her advocacy work for transgender individuals.

The ultimate goal for Dr. Whittington is to help institutions develop sustainable strategies for LGBTQ+ inclusivity and acceptance in both corporate and healthcare settings. Despite any obstacles she may face, she remains steadfast in her mission and emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, is deserving of respect and equal treatment.