One of the things I’ve shared a decent amount in talks or research work I’ve done is the need for the medical community to learn about the LGBTQ+ community. I know great providers who openly support the community or are a part of it themselves. I also know providers who know nothing about the community.
Why is this a problem? Because they’re missing opportunities to understand & work with our lives and to make connections that we know will positively impact patient engagement.
I won’t lie — it’s been frustrating to see rheumatologists and the field in general not wade into speaking against anti-trans and anti-queer laws. It’s likely due to not knowing enough or not being tuned into what’s going on… but that fuels my question about how providers are then supporting their patients through this — or, at the very least, understanding that the increased stress level can and will lead to flares, etc.
That’s why I was so excited to see a new editorial piece published in The Journal of Rheumatology today by Jeffrey B. Driban, Bill M. Jesdale and Timothy E. McAlindon. Embracing Diversity: The Imperative to Represent the LGBTQIA+ Community in Rheumatology Research delves into this issue. From discussing outdated clinical forms to needing to recognize and embrace the community, the authors highlight some incredibly important points.
Please go check out the full article at the link below.
Citation: Driban JB, Jesdale BM, McAlindon TE. Embracing Diversity: The Imperative to Represent the LGBTQIA+ Community in Rheumatology Research. The Journal of Rheumatology. Published online November 1, 2023:jrheum.2023-0830. https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.2023-0830
Interested in more about the LGBTQIA+ community & chronic pain? The Pride Study recently published (4/2024) research on just that! Learn more.