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Representation of sexual and gender minorities in psychiatric research
Jonathan K Wynn1, Eric A Reavis1
1Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles.
Abstract:
Representation of people who identify as members of sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups is lacking in psychiatric research. Few researchers openly identify as members of an SGM group, and those who do continue to face career obstacles. Separately, in the context of psychiatric research studies, little attention has been paid to how participants' SGM identities might intersect with other factors to influence each individual's experience of mental illness. In this brief commentary, we summarize these and related issues, then offer suggestions for how institutions, professional societies, labs, and individuals might help to improve SGM representation in psychiatric research.
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