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St Valentine’s Day film screening to drive blood donation among LGBTQ+ people

Researchers at the University of Brighton have teamed with The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) to highlight the need for more gay men to donate blood.

13 February 2024

The event is part of the LGBTQ+ History Month celebration and will include a Tina Turner tribute.

Hosted by Brighton Donor Research project and TNBFC, the screening of “Pretty Red Dress” aims to raise awareness about blood and organ donation rules which have evolved over the years.

Simonne Weeks, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science and Project Lead for Donor Research at the University of Brighton, said: “This event is a great opportunity to educate more people about the importance of blood donation – especially by men within the LGBTQ+ community. It is noteworthy that knowledge around blood donation has evolved significantly.

Pretty Red Dress poster

Simonne Weeks

Simonne Weeks

“As the understanding and evidence about risks improve, so has the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) donation rules. From not being able to give blood as of 2010, queer men who have had the same partner for three months are now able to give blood in the UK. We have some of world’s most progressive rules about who can and can’t give blood.”

The partnership between Brighton Donor Research and The New Black Film Collective includes the screening of other films that will each raise awareness around blood and organ donation, as well as celebrate different communities and identities in Brighton.

Jasmine Bernard-Brooks, project lead from TNBFC, said: “We see film as a tool for transformative change, education and healing. Screening Pretty Red Dress will celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month and provide a platform to discuss genetic conditions like Sickle Cell Disorder that urgently need Black donors to register for an optimal match, so it is imperative that we highlight the lowering of restrictions for queer men. Along with being a tribute to the great Tina Turner, this night is 'simply the best' for debate, fun and revelry and we'd love everyone to join us!”

The evening will also feature an MC and drag performance by Melanin Monroe and panel discussions with Deborah Espect, Festival Director from FilmPride, and Connor Thompson from University of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ Staff Equality Network Group.

Event Details:

  • Date: 14 February 2023
  • Time: 7.30pm
  • Location: Dukes at Komedia, 44-47 Gardner St, Brighton BN1 1UN

University of Brighton students can get discounted tickets by signing up to Picturehouse U25. For more information and ticket purchases, please visit Picturehouse.com.

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