Beaker Street Festival is a week-long celebration of science held across Lutruwita/Tasmania every August. Known for its genre-defying approach and boundary-pushing ideas, the festival attracts many locals and visitors eager to explore the intersections of art, science, and community. This year was no exception, with a diverse program of events designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
TasCAHRD was excited to be invited to take part in ‘After Hours’, a sexual health nightclub. This was no ordinary nightclub. Yes, there was a DJ. Yes, there was dancing. Yes, there were drag queens, kinksters, and performers who could teach anatomy with just a look. But tucked among the sweat and sequins was a very different kind of attraction – a classroom covering everything you didn’t learn in sex ed.
As part of the classroom series, TasCAHRD presented its Late Night Game Show, giving the crowd a chance to learn about myths and facts around blood borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Through a series of fun, interactive games – including Porn Pong, Bowl of Lube, What Am I?, and Spell the STI – participants explored topics such as PEP and PrEP, condom use, testing, and treatment. The show was a hit, drawing a full house and sending people home with new knowledge – and plenty of condoms and lube!
For TasCAHRD, the festival was an exciting opportunity to engage with the broader community in a creative and non-judgmental environment. Events like Beaker St provide a unique platform to break down stigma, start important conversations, and promote safer sexual practices in a way that feels accessible and fun.
One audience member summed up the experience perfectly: “You don’t have to know how to spell HIV, to avoid it!”
The overwhelmingly positive response highlights the power of blending science, creativity, and community connection. TasCAHRD looks forward to building on this success and continuing to find bold and engaging ways to promote sexual health and wellbeing across Tasmania.