It’s important to remember that Parkinson’s disease (PD) is not one to discriminate, affecting. individuals from every walk of life – including the millions of people in the LGBTQ+ community. Inclusivity is embedded in the mission and initiatives of The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF). As part of our efforts to make research more inclusive, MJFF partners with organizations to help amplify those whose voices may not be regularly heard.
MJFF recently co-hosted a webinar with SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders. The webinar highlighted the experiences of an LGBTQ+ person with Parkinson’s, discussed gaps in research and the steps being taken to address these gaps.
Panelists:
Brian Fiske, PhD (Moderator)
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Pronouns: he/him
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Chief Scientific Officer, MJFF
Jason Flatt, PhD, MPH
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Pronouns: he/they
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Principal Investigator of PRIDE PD study
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Assistant Professor, U Nevada, Las Vegas School of Public Health in the Dept. of Social and Behavioral Health
Jim McNasby, JD
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Pronouns: he/him
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General Counsel, MJFF
Elise Hernandez, PhD, MSW
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Pronouns: they/them
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Director of Research and Impact, SAGE
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions during the Q&A segment! Here we share resources to help answer some of the most common questions we got from attendees.
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Sign up today for the Parkinson’s Buddy Network. The Buddy Network is an online platform where the community can connect on shared topics and interests. The LGBTQ+ community group allows people to confidentially ask questions and engage in dialogue.
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Download a fact sheet about the LGBTQ+ community and Parkinson’s disease.
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Visit Ask the MD and guides for more educational content on navigating Parkinson’s disease.
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Learn more about the important role you can play in research.
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Get started in our landmark Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative.
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Learn about the PRIDE study.
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Join MJFF’s Parkinson’s Policy Network of advocates.
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Join SAGE’s action squad, a community of advocates.