Registration: will be through Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/psa-quarterly-science-session-when-innovation-starts-at-the-bottom-tickets-1320088563429?aff=oddtdtcreator
Who should attend: The event is open to anyone who is passionate or curious about innovation in science, particularly when innovation intersects with queerness.
Purpose: The purpose of this event is highlight how diversity is critical to scientific innovation.
Summary: The PSA we were introduced to Polari Labs at one of our events last year, and their innovative and provocative work compelled us to invite one of their founders to share more about who they are and what they are doing. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Henry Blest who will share more about the story behind Polari Labs where innovation truly starts at the bottom. He will speak about the science and innovation behind the mission at Polari Labs where they believe the sexual health and wellness market should cater for everyone and that the next sexual revolution will be in anorectal health. The team at Polari Labs are using novel models of anal sex to create a device to replace anal douching, which Henry will explain. Although the focus will be squarely on the topic of innovation in science, an important part of the story is the intersection of scientific innovation with the LGBTQ+ community. Diversity in many forms is critical to innovation, and this has been proven through many studies. In fact, Polari Labs’ story is about how knowledge only LGBTQAI+ people have can be used to drive innovation and success. We will hear about issues faced when proposing and doing great science is met with resistance. What happens when an important research focus and health/medical need is dismissed, misunderstood or completely ignored? Join to hear Henry and Polari Labs’ compelling story and prepare to be provoked and inspired.
Our speaker: Henry Blest is a medical scientist (PhD, University of Oxford) and bottom, who works to improve LGBTQIA+ sexual health. He is the co-founder of Polari Labs, a company focused on providing an alternative to anal douching. His academic work investigated the biology of both HIV and herpes viruses, showing that herpes simplex virus prevents cGAMP transport.
Expected outcomes:
Gain an understanding and greater appreciation for scientific innovation and what thinking and acting differently often requires.
Gain inspiration to lean into scientific innovation when it will have positive impact, even when met with resistance.
Gain a greater appreciation for the value brought to innovation when it intersects with difference, specifically queerness.