LGBTQIA+ Affirming Prenatal Genetic Counseling

In the twenty-ninth installment of the PhenoTips Speaker Series, passionate queer genetic counselors and leaders in equitable prenatal genetic counseling discuss delivering LGBTQIA+ affirming prenatal genetic counseling.

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LGBTQIA+ individuals and families face structural and cultural barriers to receiving affirming healthcare. LGBTQIA+ individuals and families seeking reproductive and family-building care face unique challenges, so PhenoTips invited prenatal genetic counselors and advocates to share their knowledge, resources, and skills to create a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ patients who receive prenatal genetic counseling.

PhenoTips pedigree charts accurately and respectfully represent trans, non-binary, and intersex patients

Read about the new update to PhenoTips' pedigree maker that supports inclusive genetic counseling practice with customized symbols and separate fields for sex and gender.

Rozalia (she/her) received her BA in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2015 and her MS in genetic counseling from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, in 2021. While earning her degree, she provided genetic counseling services to families of children with Angelman syndrome at the Center for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. She credits her research background on frontal lobe inhibition in ADHD with sparking her interest in neurogenetics. Outside her clinical practice, Rozalia volunteers her time to variant curation, research opportunities, and supporting the LGBT community. Rozalia identifies as Queer and is the author of the paper, "Disclosure and comfort during genetic counseling sessions with LGBTQ+ patients".

Chelsea Wagner (she/her) is Lead Genetic Counselor at BillionToOne. As a seasoned reproductive/prenatal genetic counselor, Chelsea is passionate about reproductive justice and health equity. Her roles have included serving as a reproductive health expert for NSGC’s media panel, past Co-Chair of the NSGC's Prenatal Special Interest Group, and active participation in numerous advocacy efforts across state and national levels. Chelsea believes that healthcare must be compassionate, patient-focused, and equitable.

In this discussion, Chelsea Wagner and Rozalia Valentine discuss:

  • Creating psychologically safe and inclusive environments
  • Supporting access to equitable care and reproductive options
  • Representation in family history collection
  • Resources and ways to support LBGTQ+ colleagues and patients

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