At TFS HealthScience, we firmly believe that recognizing and honoring diversity is crucial to advancing the field of clinical research. Take a look at our infographic, “Trailblazing Progress: A Colorful Timeline of LGBTQIA+ Milestones in Clinical Research,” a detailed timeline providing a vivid representation of the progress made in incorporating and acknowledging the LGBTQIA+ community in clinical research. It showcases pivotal moments, groundbreaking studies, and those who have tirelessly advocated for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the healthcare sector. Despite the monumental progress made, the infographic also underscores the necessity for further change. This timeline should serve as a reminder of the progress made and the continued effort required to ensure inclusivity and equity in all aspects of clinical research.
Click here to download the infographic.
- 1981-1987: Emergence of HIV/AIDS Crisis: Led to heightened awareness and urgency for conducting clinical trials involving the LGBTQIA+ community
- 1990: The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act: Mandated that women and minorities should be included in all NIH-funded clinical research
- 1993: The NIH Revitalization Act: Further emphasized the need for diversity in clinical trials, although primarily focused on gender and racial/ethnic minorities
- 2001: The Institute of Medicine Study: Examined health issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals
- 2011: Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) Report: Emphasized the need for more research in understanding health disparities within the LGBTQIA+ community
- 2015: NIH Officially Recognizes Sexual and Gender Minorities (SGMs): Recognized that SMGs face specific health challenges and disparities, thus requiring more dedicated research
- 2016: FDA Recommendations: Recommended the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in demographic data collected in clinical trials
- 2020: COVID-19 Vaccine Trials: Some trials explicitly included and reported data on participants who identified as LGBTQIA+ for the first time
- 2023: Progress to be Made: Many trials continue to struggle with recruiting and retaining participants from diverse backgrounds, including the LGBTQIA+ community
Many clinical trials continue to struggle with recruiting and retaining participants from diverse backgrounds, including the LGBTQIA+ community. This timeline should serve as a reminder of the progress made and the continued effort required to ensure inclusivity and equity in all aspects of clinical research.
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