Love, Queerness and Cancer

Here we go with the first speaker of our queerky science (and social) nights series! Excited to kick off Et al. with Dr. Charles Kamen, aka Charlie, bringing us into a journey of love, queerness and cancer research, how they intertwine, and the beautiful human (him) behind the science – just saying, Kate Bush was an intentional choice as well as the tarots poking in the background..

Come for a cozy evening at Flora with plenty of questions and curiosity for insightful conversations – you can already post questions below this post!! Or write them down, shout them out or hand them to us.. and then we’ll let the night lead the way!
As part of the multidimensionality of exploration we will be curating music for the night, and for this we invited a fantastic local selector, Kyle Grace, co-founder of Body Language.

AGENDA
7:30-9PM NOT BORING TALK + DISCUSSION
9-LATE MUSIC BY KYLE GRACE

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. The event is free and donations are appreciated! Funds will support these nights (20%) and the CURE Childhood Cancer Association (80%), supporting Rochester families affected by pediatric cancer.

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THE AFTERMATH

Incredibly grateful for the first Et al. Queerky Science Night at Flora, what a vibrant community in Rochester! We are so full of love and appreciation, and we can’t wait for the next one!

Dr. Charles Kamen, Charlie, gave an amazing talk highlighting minority stress in healthcare and during cancer treatment for LGBTQIA+ patients, while unravelling his journey through tarot cards reading. He leads one of the few national initiatives in the field of study at Wilmot Cancer Center. Several audience members shared their own stories navigating cancer, and we are very grateful that you felt comfortable to share your journey with us!

Finally, Charlie introduced the concept of minority strength: to persist despite the odds, to move forward despite adversity. At the end of the talk, he left the audience with a question for debate: how can queer relational and care practices inform broader patients wellbeing?

Thanks again Charlie for sharing your research and personal journey with us in such a delightful way! You indeed set the speakers’ bar high!

Lots of people to thank to ensure the success of our first night. We are thankful to Flora, for hosting us. Charlie for an incredible talk. Leena for capturing the night with your artwork. Kyle for the records selection. Jack, Brian and Maxxie for the photos and videos. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY all the attendees! You were so attentive and engaged, and we couldn’t be happier for such a turnout at our first night! And thanks to the folks who helped us reorganized the chairs and tables. THANK YOU!!

We raised $453 for CURE Childhood Cancer Association. Thank you Charlie and Kyle for contributing your payments to the pot! We appreciate you. Please continue to donate using the link on our profile and consider joining out Wilmot Warriors Et al team at the @curekidscancer_ 5K on April 25th!

Special thanks to our science communication coaches Michael Occhino and Charles Kamen, and support from Wilmot Cancer Center for Community and Outreach , Rochester Victory Alliance, UR Thinkers and Drinkers and Elysian Homes.