Dr. Athena Sherman
Symposium to focus on health research among LGBTQIA2S+ people
The Helen Glass Research Symposium, hosted by the College of Nursing in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, returns April 22 – 24 at Fort Garry campus with a focus on gender and sexual minority health research.
The College of Nursing hosts the annual symposium in honour of Dr. Helen Glass, former director of the UM School of Nursing and a dedicated pioneer of the nursing profession. The symposium is made possible each year through the support of the Dr. Helen Glass Distinguished Researcher in Residence Endowment Fund.
The three-day event begins with the Helen Glass Lecture, a public event held at the Desautels Concert Hall. Researcher-in-residence Dr. Athena Sherman, an assistant professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, will give a keynote address on interventions to improve health outcomes among LGBTQIA2S+ people.
Sherman is a leading transgender health researcher whose work examines the intersections of racism, cisgenderism, mental health and violence survivorship. They are the principal investigator of multiple U.S. studies funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Elder Charlotte Nolin
Elder Charlotte Nolin, of Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, will also speak at the event, as the symposium’s elder-in-residence. Nolin is an Indigenous person of Métis ancestry, a survivor of the “Sixties Scoop” and a member of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. She is also a sweat lodge keeper and Sundance chief for the Two Spirit Sundance held annually at Long Plains reserve.
Dr. Marnie Kramer, assistant professor in the College of Nursing and chair of the symposium, said this year’s theme emerged from innovative research conducted by graduate students in the college that was focused on exploring gender inclusive and affirming care and the experiences of patients and nurses who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ in the Canadian health-care system.
“It is essential that health professionals build their skills in gender inclusive and affirming care practices and conduct research aimed at systemic change. Mentorship is central to this process, and we are very excited to have Elder Charlotte Nolin and Dr. Athena Sherman share their knowledge with the UM community, health professionals and the wider public,” Kramer said.
The event will also include a performance by the Southern Thunderbird Medicine Drum Group. The lecture is open to the public, but seating is limited. Registration is required.
On April 23, Sherman will host a workshop on gender inclusive and affirming care in health education in rooms 544-545 at University Centre. The event is open to all Rady faculty, staff and students. Registration is required.
The symposium closes with a showcase of work from College of Nursing graduate students at the Smartpark Innovation Hub. The event is open to all faculty, staff and students at the college. Registration is required.