Joanne “Jody” Gates, MD

Joanne “Jody” Gates, MD, is a retired pediatric pulmonologist and university professor in New Orleans who was closeted until she learned that patients and staff knew her as the “Dyke Doc.” That led her to get involved with medical LGBT groups. She went on to leadership roles on the board of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and the Women in Medicine.  Those experiences in turn inspired Jody to find her voice in local politics in New Orleans. She became Chair of the Forum For Equality in the 90′s becoming a groundbreaking leader who  brought a new voice to lesbian and gay activism in local politics in Louisiana.  For her advocacy work in Louisiana the Forum For Equality honored Jody with our Acclaim Award for Political Activism. Later on she became the first representative from Louisiana to the Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign. She has been an accomplished physician, medical educator, International Gay Olympics medalist and has been recognized with numerous awards nationwide for her expertise and activism.  Jody  continues advocating, at both the local and national levels, in favor of LGBT parenting, marriage equality, domestic partnership benefits, mental health, and physical fitness. Most importantly, Jody is a remarkable mentor to numerous young and aspiring LGBT leaders.