How Gay are your Genes?

Funded by Connecting People to Science (COPUS), Led by Dr Tom Shakespeare  with Lisa Matthews as facilitator.

Background

This is a two-year science/art project working with the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) communities of the North East. It began in May 2004 and will end in early summer 2006 with a significant work of public art.

The project is co-ordinated/delivered by Lisa Matthews (local writer, performer and creative writing tutor). She developed the idea for this project after working as writer in residence for PEALS. We know of no other science engagement work with gay communities.

Lisa is exploring what people think about research into the genetics of sexuality, and is gathering testimonies which will lead to a visual arts exhibition about nature/nurture and behavioural genetics. Our location in Times Square (Newcastle's thriving gay village) is an ideal opportunity for the LGB community and workers in genetics to get to know one another.

Anyone who identifies as LGB or is part of an existing LGB group/society can get involved - no knowledge of science or writing is needed. Find out more about the project's stages:

We have not committed to what the public work of art as project outcome will be: we plan to wait and see what develops.

Workshops will be delivered:

  • to existing LGB groups and societies: Lisa will visit your group and deliver a one-off workshop free of charge.
  • as open workshops which will be arranged in various venues in the region. Everyone is welcome and these public events will be specifically targeted at people who do not attend existing groups or societies.

If you would like to be involved or would like further information please contact us at the PEALS address. If you only want your correspondence to be opened by Lisa then clearly mark it 'Private and Confidential, FAO Lisa Matthews'.