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Learn MoreHonoring Pride Month
ACRP honors Pride Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in clinical research.
Thank you for all you do to promote excellence in clinical research.
Scout, Executive Director of the National LBGT Cancer Network, joins ACRP to discuss the evolving relationship between clinical research and the LGBTQ+ population.
“If you’re putting out a rainbow for pride to say that you’re LBGTQ+ welcoming but you’re not collecting our data, you’re part of the problem; you’re part of the perpetuation of our health disparities. It can’t stop with the rainbow. It has to actually address the disparities we experience, which means inclusion in clinical trials and elsewhere.”
Scout, MBA, PhD (He/Him)
Executive Director, National LBGT Cancer Network
Underrepresentation by the Numbers
“In the only publication regarding LGB clinical trial representation, in 15% of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health, authors reported the explicit exclusion of LGB people.”
“62.4% of National Cancer Institute oncologists said they weren’t educated about LGB-specific health needs.”
“Only 18.8% of NCI oncologists felt confident in their knowledge of trans-specific health needs.”
COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES
ACRP convened a roundtable discussion this month to explore clinical research and the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s what people in your clinical research community want you to know.
“I’m a transgender man and I can tell you there’s a huge lack of trust not only in the medical profession, but clinical trials and the pharma industry. So how can clinical research be more inclusive? There’s a lot you can do even before the clinical trial starts to be more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ population. It starts with representing LGBTQ+ people in your marketing materials. Sites need to have people that look like us. We need to see that. Ask what our pronouns are and share yours. It’s a matter of respect and showing you are trying to be inclusive.”
Liam Paschall (He/Him)
Senior Consultant, Learning & Development, Parexel
Safe Zone LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Understanding Facilitator
Transgender Patient Advocacy Group Member
2022 LinkedIn Top 10 LGBTQIA+ Voices
“The biggest opportunity is that we don’t know what we don’t know. At most points in the healthcare system we do not routinely collect sexual orientation gender identity data. We’re missing the ability to characterize the health disparity challenges for the SGD [sexual and gender diverse] population in the way that we can today for things like race, sex at birth, care setting, and other dimensions. The impact is we don’t know the full extent of the opportunities and challenges for this population, so it’s hard to even conceive of solutions to address them.”
Paul Shay (He/Him)
Lead: People and Business Resource Group (PBRG) PRIDE Alliance, Bristol-Myers Squib
“We can all recognize and agree that the FDA in particular has said this is what we must do when it comes to promoting clinical trial diversity in race and ethnicity. But what about everyone else? What about all the other marginalized communities and underserved populations and meeting their needs when it comes to clinical trials? And it is not just LGBTQ+ but starting here is critical because there are a lot of unknowns.”
Jamie Langley (She/Her)
Global Head, Parexel Academy
“There are a growing number of people who identify as LGBTQIA+, meaning the clinical trial industry needs to evolve by acknowledging and being more inclusive of the unique needs of this patient population. Simple places to start at site could include supporting staff with cultural awareness training, providing restrooms that are gender neutral, and establishing a safe space where people can share information privately.”
Rosamund Round (She/Her)
Vice President, Patient Innovation Center and Decentralized Trials, Parexel
SafeZone Training for Clinical Research Professionals
As part of Pride Month observance, Parexel is pleased to offer SafeZone training for professionals in the clinical research industry! This two-hour program is geared toward developing, enhancing and maintaining environments that are culturally competent and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. The session will highlight: key points around the LGBTQ+ community’s rights and laws; key concepts and terminology; how you can promote inclusion and become and active ally; and considerations for creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ+ participants in clinical trials.
Register for one of two sessions: