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Love, Queerness and Cancer
February 26 @ 7:30 pm – 11:59 pm EST
What’s different about cancer in LGBTQIA+ communities? How cancer diagnoses drive the fight for same-sex marriage? How to research a topic that becomes controversial?… and how do D&D and tarots influence Charlie research?
Join us for an evening of exploration into the work of Dr. Charles Kamen, aka Charlie, Associate Professor at the University of Rochester and Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at Wilmot Cancer Institute. Charlie is a clinical psychologist by training, and his research focuses on cancer-related health disparities affecting sexual and gender minority and other minoritized cancer survivors. He has contributed to the development of behavioral interventions to improve the health and well-being of cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers. Charlie is also passionate about D&D and tarot reading, and his favorite music? Women with esoteric/mystical voices, the caliber of Kate Bush.
And of course, one of the joys of gathering at Flora is the bar itself as our bar-husband Sam will be shaking up custom cocktails and mocktails created especially for the event! Fancy a Raja’s Bloom or a non-alcoholic Booster Shot?
Come with plenty of questions and a curiosity for insightful conversation. You can send your questions ahead of time via email/instagram/LinkedIn, or write them down and hand them to us on the night. And then.. we’ll let the night lead the way!
Capturing the visual part of the talk won’t be a camera but a talented artist who will live drawing! We’re happily joined by Leena Captain (@vultureintheattic), queer, Rochester-based multi-media artist. Their artwork primarily focuses on dissecting their own brain and life experiences to better understand themselves and where they come from. Take a moment to look at their stunning work and, maybe, you’ll be the next lucky one to own their pieces..?! Prepare your bids! There’s an auction in the air, with all profits going to them and to C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association.
After Dr. Kamen science talk, we keep gathering for a night of conversations, dancing and movement to Kyle Grace all-vinyls music selection from 9PM til late! Kyle is a Rochester-raised DJ, facilitator, and co-organizer of Body Language, a music collective of creative souls which shapes the local underground electronic music scene. Ambient-rooted and guided by deep listening, they shape room-first sets with texture, beauty and joy – honoring dance music’s history and future.
Introducing “Balla Bella” (Italian for “dance beautiful”!), the afterhours of the queerky sciences, the social mingling, the backstage seminar where thinking soften into groove, and a guest selector colors the floor through their music.
Come for the talk, stay for the groove!
You’ll enter a home for expression, uncensored discovery, playfulness and joy, where we invite curiosity, cherish reflection and celebrate vulnerability in mutual respect for each others’ spaces. Events are free, and donations are very welcome! Funds are allocated to support our budget (20%) and to the C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association (80%), a local nonprofit supporting Rochester families affected by pediatric cancer.
Love, Alice and Azmeer