Pride Month Panel Discussion Event

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Jun 27, 2025

June marks Pride Month, a global celebration honoring the rich history, resilience, and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a time to reflect on the ongoing journey toward fairness and reaffirm our shared commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion within and beyond the workplace.

Beyond the Binary: Protecting LGBTQ+ Health, Rights & Representation in a Shifting Political Landscape 

This panel examined growing threats to LGBTQIA+ health and the future of inclusive care. Topics included legislative attacks on gender-affirming treatment, the erosion of civil liberties, and broader political rollbacks impacting medical access. Panelists discussed how inclusive medical education can drive equity and share strategies for building affirming systems that protect LGBTQIA+ communities while advancing dignity and access for all.  

Moderator:

Efekona Nuwere, Ed.D., MPH, OTR/L Program Chair, Occupational Therapy

Panelists:

Elka Jacobson-Dickman, M.D., MHA, Associate Dean for Clinical Medicine, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics Endocrinology

Christopher Román, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Cell Biology, Associate Professor, Departments of Cell Biology and Medicine

Cynthia L. Benson, DO, FACEP, MPH, MBA, Interim Medical Director & Director of Quality, UHD Emergency Department

Suzanne Rappaport, OTD, OTR/L, Post-Professional OTD Program Coordinator, and Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy 

Alphonso David, Esq. President & CEO, Global Black Economic Forum, and Former President, Human Rights Campaign

Introductory comments:

Dawn S. Walker, MPA, Vice President of Communications & Marketing

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