Visions by Women in Molecular Imaging Network: Antiracism and Allyship in Action

Abstract

Recent events in America in 2020 have stimulated a worldwide movement to dismantle anti-Black racism in all facets of our lives. Anti-Black racism is, as defined by the Movement for Black Lives, a "term used to specifically describe the unique discrimination, violence, and harm imposed on and impacting Black people specifically." In science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), we have yet to achieve the goal and responsibility to ensure that the field reflects the diversity of our lived experiences. Members of the Women in Molecular Imaging Network (WIMIN) have come together to take a stand on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of molecular imaging. We strongly condemn oppression in all its forms and strive to identify and dismantle barriers that lead to inequities in the molecular imaging community and STEM as a whole. In this series coined "Visions" (Antiracism and Allyship in Action), we identify and discuss specific actionable items for improving diversity and representation in molecular imaging and ensuring inclusion of all members of the community, inclusive of race, disability, ethnicity, religion, or LGBTQ+ identity. Although the issues highlighted here extend to other underrecruited and equity-seeking groups, for this first article, we are focusing on one egregious and persistent form of discrimination: anti-Black racism. In this special article, Black women residing in America present their lived experiences in the molecular imaging field and give candid insights into the challenges, frustrations, and hopes of our Black friends and colleagues. While this special article focuses on the experiences of Black women, we would like the readers to Perspectives The perspectives below are representative of collective experiences shared by contributors in this article.

Coverage of Allies, Allyship and Disabled People: A Scoping Review

“…In this series coined "Visions" (Antiracism and Allyship in Action), we identify and discuss specific actionable items for improving diversity and representation in molecular imaging and ensuring inclusion of all members of the community, inclusive of race, disability, ethnicity, religion, or LGBTQ+ identity" (full text did not further engage with disabled people). [312] (p. 301) Of the other two, one mentioned disability and underrepresented minorities [313] and one mentioned people with disabilities and being underrepresented in medicine [164].…”

Recognizing Intersectionality—The Association of Gender, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, and Race With Social Experience

“…Equality refers to providing everyone with exactly the same resources, rights, status, and opportunities, whereas equity addresses the distribution of resources based on the needs of recipients and preexisting disparities. 2,3 Equity is an important concept to consider when addressing gaps in gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and race and ethnicity.The authors mention their inability to distinguish gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation within the study's limitations, 1 and it is important to acknowledge that each of these issues has substantial consequences for the social experiences of an individual. For example, in a survey adminis-Related article page 942…”

“…This acknowledgment also helps to identify those subgroups that require the most attention; for example, women of color often have the most difficulty attaining equity. 2 Consideration of the intersectionality of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and race and ethnicity is needed when examining gender discrimination and sexual harassment among resident physicians. Future studies that incorporate these additional facets of identity would help to more specifically identify groups that require the most resources in pursuit of equity.…”

“…With the occurrence of many events in the US since 2020, the concept of equity has widely replaced the idea of equality. Equality refers to providing everyone with exactly the same resources, rights, status, and opportunities, whereas equity addresses the distribution of resources based on the needs of recipients and preexisting disparities . Equity is an important concept to consider when addressing gaps in gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and race and ethnicity.…”

“…However, it is important to also acknowledge the association of race and ethnicity and the intersection of gender and race with an individual’s social experience. This acknowledgment also helps to identify those subgroups that require the most attention; for example, women of color often have the most difficulty attaining equity …”