This Is Lupus: The Reality for Black Women

This Is Lupus is a powerful virtual learning experience designed to illuminate the realities of Lupus as it shows up in Black women's bodies, lives, and medical journeys. This program centers the lived experience of Black women living with Lupus and pairs it with insight from a rheumatology expert to bridge gaps in understanding, diagnosis, and everyday management.

Participants will gain a clear picture of Lupus biology, identify early warning signs, and learn why We Are ILL intentionally created a space that welcomes Black women living with Lupus.

This program aims to: Increase foundational understanding of Lupus biology, subtypes, immune dysfunction, and how inflammation affects multiple organ systems. Build literacy around early warning signs and common presentation patterns in Black women, including fatigue, joint pain, rashes, hair loss, and kidney-related symptoms. Clarify the diagnostic process, including lab work (ANA, anti-dsDNA, complement levels), biopsy considerations, and reasons for delayed diagnosis. Illuminate disparities in disease severity and complications among Black women, including higher risk for Lupus nephritis and organ damage. Strengthen participants' ability to recognize flares, monitor symptom changes, and document patterns that warrant medical attention. Improve confidence in navigating rheumatology appointments, including preparing questions, understanding lab results, and advocating for appropriate referrals and treatment adjustments. Connect attendees to ongoing We Are ILL programming, community spaces, and sustained education pathways.