“Clitoral Chronicles” To “Queer Eye For AI”: National Science Week Is Back And Gayer Than Ever

National Science Week, Australia’s huge annual festival celebrating all things science and technology, kicks off on Saturday, August 15, and the event line-up couldn’t be gayer. Last year, 3 million people participated in more than 2,500 events and activities across the country, and this year is slated to be bigger and better for the queers.

There’ll be unvarnished sex-ed performances, gay spy sagas, and even drawing workshops by a non-binary scientist turned comic artist. And, if that line-up isn’t a sure-fire mark of quality, sceptics will be pleased to know the entire week isn’t just being sponsored by the Australian Government, but includes key partners CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association, ABC Science, and our national god of fun science, Questacon.

National Science Week: What’s On in NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, & WA

First up, for Sydney’s gay techies, there’s Queer eye for AI: modern mathematician explores Alan Turing’s legacy. This free public lecture, to be held on Friday 21 Aug at the University of Sydney, will see Prof. Benjamin Burton deep dive into gay World War II code-breaker Alan Turing’s very queer legacy. 

For our Tasmanian bio geeks, The Clitoral Chronicles will lift the hood on the most misunderstood organ in biology: the clitoris. This show, also to be held on Friday 21 August at Hobart’s Peacock Theatre, will be part sex-ed talk and part performance, complete with outrageously anatomical costumes. Delivered by reproductive scientist Dr Tiana Pirtle, the mind that brought us When Vaginas Attack!, this show is one not to be missed.

Of course, our ACT foodies are also being catered to, with Canberra’s very own The hidden history of Australia’s LGBTQIA+ scientists taste tour. This August 15 guided walk, delivered by a trans law grad turned sous chef, will make eight stops, each spotlighting a different LGBTQ+ Australian scientist and offering a delicious tasting sample inspired by their life.

Other highlights include a graphic novel workshop by an ex-quantum physicist turned award-winning visual artist, to be held in Victoria’s very own Brunswick East; and an evening of science and tech for trans and gender diverse individuals in West Perth.

Science week officially begins August 15, so don’t miss out. If you want to register for an event, or simply find out more, visit www.scienceweek.net.au.