As the global community marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia on May 17, it鈥檚 a timely moment to reflect on how research communities can make their environments, practices, and priorities more inclusive. Scientific excellence is inseparable from equity鈥攁nd that includes listening to and uplifting 2SLGBTQIA+ voices within research. At D2R, where advancing RNA-based therapies is at the heart of our work, we recognize the need to foster inclusive spaces not only in the science we do but in the systems that support it. In this conversation, Human Genetics professor Raquel Cuella Martin - a D2R-funded researcher and member of D2R鈥檚 Partner and Community Engagement Committee - and Benjamin Kaufman, a PhD student in Human Genetics at 秀色直播, share their perspectives on how the RNA research community can be more inclusive in their research design, practice, and participation.听
What are simple ways to be more inclusive towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in research practice and in research design?听
Raquel:听
With respect to research practice, we should simply start by understanding their realities. The challenges at the workplace for 2SLGBTQIA+ members may differ vastly, and we need to listen and be ready to act. Something as simple as gender inclusive toilets is still not the norm in our research buildings.听
The question of research design is complex. Considerations on sex and gender are now being evaluated in research proposals. While we often observe sex accurately defined and included, we have notable examples where sex/gender is still misused. In the Cancer Dependency Map database, which includes data from CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockout screens in more than 1,000 cell lines, you can stratify cell lines by 鈥榞ender鈥�.听
Benjamin鈥�:听
It is important to avoid false binaries. Both gender identity and biology are nuanced, and the conflation of the two, as well as a significant underdiagnosis of chromosomal differences, can present significant challenges in DNA and RNA research, particularly for trans, nonbinary, and intersex bodies. Reflexivity is also vital in scientific research; look beyond who your study includes to consider who it excludes and why.鈥�
How can research in RNA therapeutics help the 2SLGBTQIA+ community's health?听
Raquel:听
Research in mRNA vaccines that includes the 2slgbtqia+ community would be instrumental to ensure that care is tailored to conditions that may be more prevalent in queer communities. For instance, we have examples of clinical trials for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines performed in HIV-infected individuals, whose immune response may vary significantly compared to an uninfected population (e.g.,)听
Benjamin:听
RNA research offers many opportunities to serve the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including potential for tailored therapies in gender-affirming care, such as modulating hormone pathways in ways that current Hormone Replacement Therapy cannot achieve, or focusing on health care that disproportionately impacts queer people and queer bodies, such as HIV, which has already begun to be addressed by mRNA research. However, it is crucial to include queer people in the development of these therapies from inception to clinical trials, not just as a special case or afterthought.鈥�
Why is the representation of researchers from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community important in the context of RNA research?听
Raquel:听
Queer researchers bring new perspectives and an appreciation of realities that may otherwise be overlooked.听
Benjamin:听
We, as queer researchers, ask different questions; we identify gaps that the general populace may not see. Our lived experiences shape our perception and inform how we answer these questions. When queer scientists lead, the science reflects the real world more closely, and visibility itself is disruptive to the status quo.鈥�
What do you wish for the next generation of researchers from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in science?听
Raquel:听
I wish for queer people a feeling of belonging in the STEM community. I wish them safe judgment-free spaces, where their realities are not questioned. I wish that they would stop thinking 鈥淚 was so lucky I was in an inclusive environment,鈥� because those environments would be the norm.听
Benjamin:听
I hope to see a world where queer academics and queer-centered inquirers are not merely a matter of perceived advocacy but are a standard facet of science.听
