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Final Program


Schedule at a Glance
Legend
Program: Scientific Session
General Topic: ARP

Breaking Barriers: Advancing LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Rheumatology Practice and Research

Monday, October 27, 2025
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Central Time

    Moderator(s)

  • LL

    Linda Li, PhD, PT

    University of British Columbia
    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose

  • Irene Blanco, MD, MS

    Northwestern University
    Oak Park, Illinois, United States

    Disclosure(s): Cabaletta: Grant/Research Support (Ongoing); Fate Therapeutics: Advisor or Review Panel Member (Ongoing); Novartis: Grant/Research Support (Ongoing)

    • Session Coordinator(s)

  • Neil Moody, Jr, BS, PA-C

    Multicare Tacoma General Rheumatology Associates
    Tacoma, Washington, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

LGBTQIA+ individuals bring valuable perspectives to rheumatology care and research. This session will explore how inclusive practices can improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for LGBTQIA+ individuals with rheumatological conditions. Attendees will learn actionable strategies to foster more inclusive healthcare and research environments, drawing from patient, clinician, and researcher perspectives. The session will challenge participants to reflect on current practices and offer practical approaches to drive meaningful change, to ultimately enhance care and research environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify key challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face in rheumatology care, including navigating healthcare systems, addressing the importance of representation, and implementing practical recommendations for inclusive clinical care
  • Apply research practices inclusive of LGBTQIA+ populations, including designing demographic questions, developing effective engagement and recruitment strategies, and incorporating data analysis considerations
  • Apply citizen science to engage LGBTQIA+ individuals in health research and ensure more inclusive and representative study designs

Presentations:

  • 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Central Time
    Taking Action: LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Rheumatology Research

    Speaker: Codie Primeau, PhD, PT (he/him/his) – University of Western Ontario & Arthritis Research Canada

  • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central Time
    The Patient Voice: What I Wish My Rheumatology Care Team Knew

    Speaker: Grayson Schultz, MS – Elevate Advocacy